Classical Music for Aficionados

kef-lover,

I couldn’t agree with you more.
First of all, I can tell you from my years of experience teaching, it’s just about all but impossible for even the most intelligent and musical adult to take up the piano and be able to fluently play it.  You are to be congratulated for trying such a difficult task.  And yes, even if you get the notes, the mastery needed for extracting the music is daunting.
It can be a very frustrating experience, but if you enjoy it, it’s worth the effort just to see how the music works.

rvpiano, 

Yes, there is much to be said for the magical experience of having the notes under one's fingers. Kind of like walking on holy ground. Over a period of time though, my lack of ability overshadowed the experience and ultimately left me feeling overwhelmed.

As far as the Nocturnes, is there still an issue with the balance? As far as sound quality, how do you feel it stacks up against other RCAs from the period?

I find I enjoy listening to students, and non professional musicians.
Even though it may not be up to Horowitz standard, it is still interesting.
I also hear what the composer was trying to convey, and make me appreciate the music all the more.
It also gives me greater appreciation for the talent that Horowitz (or any professional musician) offers.
B

rvpiano,

I also wanted to ask if you've seen the videos of "Bolet Encounters Rachmaninoff"? It's basically a master class by Bolet on the Rach 3 with 6 very accomplished pianists, one of whom is Barry Douglass. It originally aired on PBS probably 25 or more years ago. I've always thought that this was the best program I've ever seen about classical music. It actually got to the issue of interpretation and the decisions that are, or should be, before the musicians.
Aside from Bolet's many thoughtful critiques and insights, I've always marvelled at the contrast between his playing of some of the passages and the same passage as played by one of his students. While initially I may have been impressed by the apparent virtuosity of the student, it became apparent almost immediately that the music seemed to be literally pouring out of Bolet's hands when he played. The focus no longer became virtuosity or technique, at least not as I had thought of it up to that time. For me it was a fascinating program. If you haven't seen it, you can look it up on YouTube. Given your background, I'd be very interested in your impressions. Thanks.

Strangely enough, even though the balance of my system has been perfect on almost all my CDs and records, there is still a predominance of the right channel in the Nocturnes.  So much so that I began to worry that the problem had returned.
But not so, it was fine on other CDs. 
It’s probably my set, but to be honest, on my system, the sound of the Nocturnes, although quite good, doesn’t quite match the best of the RCA’s such as the best  Reiners and Munches. Of course,  It has everything to do with the imbalance I’m hearing.  Without that imbalance, it seems to be a superior sounding CD.