Name: Chopin With New Mic Configuration and Fazioli F308 by Steven Norsworthy in Piano
Duration: 23 s
Description: I am experimenting with a 7-mic array, all Neumann mics. There effectively 3 pairs of mics in different configurations being mixed together to produce an exceptionally wide spectrum capturing the full essence of my Fazioli F308, a 10'3" piano that is the largest production piano in the world.

Piano

Practice session on the double octave section of the Chopin Nocturne Op. 48-1

Chopin Octaves

Critical tuning in the bass register of a large concert grand piano, in this case a Fazioli F308, using the opening of Brahms Op. 79 No. 2 Rhapsody

Piano Tuning in Bass Explained Using Brahms Example

Horowitz was famous for changing things from the score. He pulled it off, conveying a different musical concept. He was not alone, as Glenn Gould did even more changes from the score of the composer. I believe that a composer's score is an ever evolving and living piece of art, recomposed by the minds of great performers.

I think Chopin would have marked his dynamics and his concepts of musical expression differently if he had a modern concert grand with huge dynamic range, like my Fazioli F308.

Chopin Nocturne Op 48 No 1 is considered by all to be his ‘greatest Nocturne’ by far. The last section is has been called 'Chopin's greatest moment. Did you know that?

I have listened to at least 10 different recordings of this, going all the way back to Joseph Levinne. They are all over the map, each one very different in dynamic and tempo.

The melody line must cut through the complex and rich underlying accompaniment. It is very hard. It requires, technically, that you get more downforce on the finger carrying the melody note. There are varying technical ways of doing that. Some exaggerate the melody line by under-cutting the accompaniment to almost nothing. I don’t like that approach because it takes away the richness and the drama. However, it is marked pp dynamic. I think Chopin was ‘wrong’ but it I truly believe it was because of the limits of his primitive pianos compared to ours.

Here is my ‘new’ concept, more dynamic, more ‘wet’ with less lift of the pedal. It is just a ‘test recording’ and there are a few melody notes that didn’t come out as much as I wanted, so it will get better soon and I will repost a longer and more refined clip soon This is a work in progress.

Tell me what you think.

Chopin 48 - 1- Bigger Approach Concept

I am experimenting with a 7-mic array, all Neumann mics. There effectively 3 pairs of mics in different configurations being mixed together to produce an exceptionally wide spectrum capturing the full essence of my Fazioli F308, a 10'3" piano that is the largest production piano in the world.

Chopin With New Mic Configuration and Fazioli F308

Chopin Recap Open

Steven Norsworthy is a professional musician, formerly low brass orchestral member, and proficient also in piano, who lives in San Diego, California.

Chopin With New Mic Configuration and Fazioli F308

Steven Norsworthy

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