Since Chopin was mentioned in the other piano thread I thought I'd let you know that I've got a free download available on my website. It's my performance of Chopin's Nocturne in Eb. I recorded it along with quite a few original solo piano works that I'd love for you to check out if you're interested! Here are some links: Chopin's Nocturne in Eb Originals: Fakahatchee RagImpromptu in B flatPrelude No. 1 in E flatSong for Stef

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Original post by JGeer Originals: Fakahatchee Rag

Wow. Simply Exquisite. I must admit that I've been blown away after listening to this track. Exquisitely rich harmonic material in this piece. Love the big hefty chords and the general ease through which it intertwines with the memorable melody. The piece very much reminds me of what might be a hybrid between Gershwin, Joplin and Rach... And of course, very awesome touch with the 'keys.

AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME. Congratulations on your formidable ability.

Ryan

[Edited by - Rain 7 on October 31, 2006 12:52:01 AM]

Thanks Ryan! That piece is the one all the other piano teachers in a local association I belong to are always very hesitant to pronounce :) Fa.....fff.... faa.... that... um, that ragtime piece!

Well lets see if I can manage it, 'FAKACHACHAHAT'...no wait...'KACHAFACACHA'...(arghhh)...'CHACHAFAHKACHACHA'...

???

...'Da Rag'. (There we are!)

Oh well, good thing "it" doesn't musically 'speak' how the name 'spells'. ;)

What was your inspiration for writing this particular piece?

The original motif for the piece just came out of playing around on the piano one day, but then I think I had a couple other sources of general kind of inspiration. One is William Bolcom's collection of Ghost Rags. He's a living American composer who is really wonderful. I actually got to see a concert of his music earlier this month. I got to sit about five feet away from him and all the performers. It was fantastic!

Then as I was working on the piece I was kind of stuck thinking of a name for it. I had just finished reading The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean. It's the book the movie, Adaptation, was based on. The Fakahatchee swamp, or preserve I guess... is one of the settings in the book. It's where John Laroche goes to find orchids. So I thought that would be a good name for the rag that matched the dark sense of adventure in the book.

Nothing like seeing a show up close and personal. To be close enough to see the sweat pouring of the faces of the performers is quite a raw feeling and one I would certainly like to experience more often. I was fortunate enough to sit about 10 feet in front of Russian pianist and Van Cliburn gold medalist Olga Kern and the Warsaw Philharmonic for a splendid playing of the Rach 3. When I am that close to the action, I not only hear the music but am given the means to truly feel it is as well. To allow the music to course through the veins and the ears, unbridled. :) During the concerto, I really wanted to start headbanging during the momentous 'Alla Breve' but apparently thats a bit frowned upon in the classical circuit. (meh, ho hum de dum)
Good thing I am not one to ponderously lament the omission of silly conventions. (at least when it comes to music!)

Very interesting developments for the creative demeanor of the piece, thanks much for sharing.

At any rate, I am glad your experience at the concert was a memorable one. I would really like to check out some of Mr. Bolcom's work, 'Ghost Rags' very soon. If its half as good as your offering I am sure I will be in for a very pleasant experience.

Man I wish I was as good as you. Getting very close on the piano front, not the composition I'm afraid though. Trying to steer clear of Classical pieces, although Romantic pieces are good. I like Beethoven better than Chopin but they're equally as genius.

Very beautiful. BTW how did you get such good recording clarity? What equipment do you use? Sounds like a very expensive piano. Grand? VERY GOOD Electric? Upright?

PM Me.

When I hear something I don't like, I usually say what I think of it without problems (or say nothing at all, which seems to work better for me)

But I heard your music the other day (did not see you had a post here) and I must admit you have a lot of talent, congrats and keep up the good work.

hopefully.... one day my ability will be up there :D

Hey Pedro and UnshavenBastard. Thanks for the comments. I apologize for the slow reply. I haven't hardly been on gamedev.net in the past month or so because things have been crazy. I appreciate you taking the time to listen though! :)