Chapter 21
March 10, 2021
Since last entry, I've re-read Schumann's Advices for Young Musicians.
One of which reads
"Play strictly in time"
This resonated with me since because [sic] I never thought he was against rubato as a romantic composer.
At the same time, it makes lots of sense and has become a good reminder for myself as I try to unlearn horrible tempo changes (erratic) which I've been struggling in Abegg Variations.
Browsed through YouTube listening to all kinds of interptations, dead & alive pianists.
Why did all living ones play with such extreme rubato - this is what I'm trying to correct for myself.
Dead ones like Richter & Ginzberg are the only who treat it like a natural, simple composition with innocence.
Did others think Florestan is in Abegg?!
That's to say, I've been very conscious of rubato while learning Davidsbündlertänze.
Also, today, I began Jean Paul's Fleggeljahre. Funny start!
When I hear someone playing with too much rubato I feel like I have to eat a cupcake that's been buried under 4 inches of butter cream icing 🤢