Chopin - Nocturne Op. 62 No. 1 in B major

This is the first video featuring my new NY Steinway D. I must be allergic to bright pianos, because I more or less picked the mellowest one within a minute or two of testing all the pianos. The salesperson and technician also all predicted I would select this one. The tone sounds just right to my ears.

For me, this nocturne carries a special spiritual or meditative power. I found it very difficult to interpret, because it requires some very refined playing. Chopin always requires elegance, but this piece I found it especially true. The piano writing is quite sophisticated, and it goads you into stopping to observe all the beautiful details, which can disrupt the overall momentum.

I've actually been recording and re-recording this piece for over a month straight now, first on the Steinway B and now on the Steinway D. It is interesting to compare the differences from a month ago, not only in terms of the interpretation but also the piano itself. Maybe I'll upload it too if there is any interest. But in any case, I'm satisfied with the current recording and am finally ready to move on to the next piece. Maybe next time I'll actually aim the camera properly...