Jonathan H wrote:
Steadman, this is the first time I believe I've ever commented on one of your Impressions threads and I hope I do it justice. You've offered your own insights to my work more than once and I certainly appreciate it - I hope I can adequately return the favor.
This portrait (#3) is my favorite thus far of your "Pianist" series. It has the greatest amount of interaction and tension between the young lady and her piano, whereas the first two images are more "static."
I spent several years studying piano as a child and her movement in this image plus the tilt of her head actually make it seem to me as though she is composing, her head cocked ever so slightly, listening to discern the perfect tone and pitch of a note. Your introduction obviously tells a different story, but 1/50 of a second can occasionally be misleading .
What spoke to me most of all, however, is her grace and elegance while sitting at the keys. As someone of the same age group, I'm of the opinion that our generation seems to be characterized by a disheartening blend of hip-hop, narcissism, and drug abuse. Not even 24 hours ago, a girl in my graduating high school class murdered another woman by running her over with an SUV after a spat outside a club. The deceased wasn't even involved in the fight, just a bystander in the large group of people into whom my "classmate" drove her truck. I wish I was kidding - and I didn't go to a "rough" high school by any means.
To see one of my own contemporaries embracing the arts, with poise beyond her years, is quite heartening. I can almost see her character through your photograph - I believe she is someone I would be proud to call a friend. Her undeniably genuine smile, seen in your snapshots, only further affirms my belief.
I am glad to see you joined the discussion. Feel free (and invited) to join any past/present/future Impressions discussions I might start.
I enjoyed reading your detailed impression note. Lots to consider.
I think your impression of the pianist is one that will mean a lot to her and her parents. I will share the impressions with the pianist very soon. That 'dedication' to art is something that is very personal and yet also affects or includes the family too. I am sure her parents are proud of the direction she has taken and her achievements and talents.
The other story you included is a sad one. Sorry to read about that. I do think your attitude about the positive influence art (or other positive self-esteem enhancing activities) can have is a good one and one that should be shared with young adults and teens.
I hope to see you in the Impressions discussions in the future. And thanks for adding to this one with your impression, story, and helpfulness.
My impression of this picture is very much affected by my own piano playing, I often play as a way to relieve stress or relax and sometimes find myself playing, yet my mind is far away contemplating other things. This is what I see in this picture- music flowing, releasing emotion, the pianist seems to be deep in contemplation.
My impressions of the person in the photograph "Pianist #2" (Website says Pianist #2):
1. Intelligent.
2. Warm and fun.
3. Loyal.
4. Stable but fragile.
5. I think she leads a simple and pleasant life but has complex inner emotions about self, society, spirituality, etc.
6. I wish I had more friends like her.
I was affected by all three photographs even though I made a conscious effort to mainly concentrate on the B&W "Pianist #2" image.
Ok, I`ll give you mine: although I can see her in a really calm mood, the light, her eyes, the hand in the air and the grand piano gives me the idea of the forceful passion for music she feels. That is a difficult sensation to achieve and capture in a photo.
The difference between the portrait shot and the snapshots are simply amazing. She even looks like a different girl.
bellissimogirl wrote:
My impression of this picture is very much affected by my own piano playing, I often play as a way to relieve stress or relax and sometimes find myself playing, yet my mind is far away contemplating other things. This is what I see in this picture- music flowing, releasing emotion, the pianist seems to be deep in contemplation.
Hi BG.
I know that feeling. That is a great thing about "making music."
elgallo wrote:
Ok, I`ll give you mine: although I can see her in a really calm mood, the light, her eyes, the hand in the air and the grand piano gives me the idea of the forceful passion for music she feels. That is a difficult sensation to achieve and capture in a photo.
The difference between the portrait shot and the snapshots are simply amazing. She even looks like a different girl.
Hola.
Muchas Gracias!
Your participation in this Impressions discussion is appreciated.
I liked reading your words: "forceful passion for music."
Thank you for your impression. I hope you will join in any of the future discussions too.
Of your "Pianist" series, I find #2 to the most appealing. In #2, she seems the most confident and comfortable with herself. #3 is a great image, but with no sense of motion in the hand, i find it more awkward and a distraction than a sense of her in the midst of playing. Technically all are great, and all definately show what I feel her true character is far better than the snapshots. Very lovely lady that seems to have a strong connection with her music.
Of your "Pianist" series, I find #2 to the most appealing. In #2, she seems the most confident and comfortable with herself. #3 is a great image, but with no sense of motion in the hand, i find it more awkward and a distraction than a sense of her in the midst of playing. Technically all are great, and all definately show what I feel her true character is far better than the snapshots. Very lovely lady that seems to have a strong connection with her music.
Cheers,
Rick
Howdy Rick,
Thanks for joining this Impressions discussion. I see you are a relative newcomer her and encourage you to participate as fully as you feel inclined. Glad to see you jump in an Impressions discussion too.
I understand your points.
The funny dilemma is that some people "find hands to be essential" and others "find hands to be distracting." Others say: "The hands add" and others say "the hands are awkward."
It just goes to show you that there are many different valid POVs out there, many different ideas of what is appropriate/natural/pleasing and that one image is unlikely to satisfy everyone.
The hand, as it is shown, is completely "natural" (while playing), even if it does look "awkward" to some. I elaborate on this in one of the discussions (reply to another poster) so you might find it interesting to read that bit to get a fuller appreciation for my POV and the nature of the shot.
Hands in ANY image are a key aspect. They are "expressive" in ways only matched by the head/face/eyes. So...they can do a lot for any image.
I hope you will enjoy your time here on the forum.
Please drop me a PM with your City and Province in Canada. I try to learn where on the planet all the comments come from and Canada is a big place.
I am actually surprised that more "pianists" did not join this Impressions discussion about pianists images. I assumed that more of the FM members and global visitors would have taken piano as children or continued as adults to enjoy the music and the instrument.
From my POV, I always enjoy the piano as an instrument. Regardless of the music genre. So I can enjoy it in a classical, jazz, swing, rock, or "new age" music styles.
Could it be because the FM Forum membership/visitors seems to be mostly "male?"
Or that photographers may be people who did NOT take music lessons? You know..."more 'techy' less 'arty.'"
Just a curious thought I just had. Anyone have an opinion on that alone (the incidence of piano players/lovers on this forum)?
Finally, I did enjoy reading the impressions where someone related their own experience with the piano. A couple did. That was nice to see and understand how their own "hands on experience" with the instrument and the image brought back memories of playing and challenges and the joy of music creation.
Now...having written that...I think it might be time for me to go hit the keys a little too.
I can't help but notice that she is "in her element" where the rest of the world can go by and she is only conscious of the music. She seems to pour herself into her performance. Very few people can become so proficient at what they do to that it becomes an integrated expression of themselves and not simply notes on a page. She reflects not only a natural beauty but a power and control over these elements of her performing world.
another superb one, steady. the hand draws in my eye for a moment but i don't find it awkward or distracting. i love the framing of this shot and the light.
rweav72 wrote:
I can't help but notice that she is "in her element" where the rest of the world can go by and she is only conscious of the music. She seems to pour herself into her performance. Very few people can become so proficient at what they do to that it becomes an integrated expression of themselves and not simply notes on a page. She reflects not only a natural beauty but a power and control over these elements of her performing world.
Hi,
Welcome to Impressionism.
I enjoyed reading your comment above. Very nicely worded, even "eloquent."
I am sure she will be surprised by the impression, but also pleased.
Thanks for taking the time to think about the image and for writing your thoughts down.
SeanP wrote:
another superb one, steady. the hand draws in my eye for a moment but i don't find it awkward or distracting. i love the framing of this shot and the light.
Thanks Sean.
Any impression added to the mix makes the mix more interesting.
radioblurs wrote:
my first impression: a steinway ad
she seems lost in something, distracted and not thinking about the notes she's playing-maybe contemplative
nice lighting-did you accomplish this with a single light?
daniel
Greetings Daniel.
Thank you for adding your impression too. Always glad to see you participate.
The answer you seek is written in the introduction remarks under the subhead "Lighting."
I know most people don't read the introduction to these Impressions posts. But...there is a wealth of information and tips there for those who seek more knowledge and want to learn. I took the time to share those technical and intent and 'shoot' techniques in writing. Part of the "wordy" stuff that most people seem to miss or ignore.
I really like this image. As a musician the hand and her facial expression are very telling for me. The hand indicates the dynamism of music. The hands are never still, they are moving, fluid, alive . . . whether playing chords or preparing for the next progression they are always in motion. This shot suggests that you captured the hands in the middle of this motion. The natural question is where will the hands fall next? Are they mvoing down the keyboard? Will they fall slowly and quietly, or suddenly? Like water or a leaf?
The face on the other hand is all about concentration and contemplation. She is concentrating on the music, which is required at this level, however, at the same time she is contemplating the music which in turn has perhaps led her mind to other thoughts. A forgotten friend, a previous encounter with this piece. As musicians get more accomplished they are able to "let go" in this way more frequently. You captured the contemplation beautifully.
Overall, the image of her at the piano nicely captures an artist in her element. She is poised, in control, but most importantly in love with the music. The violinist Itzhak Perlman once said, "my favorite piece of music is whichever one I am working on at the time." I think you captured his sentiment in this image.
Music is interesting in that so many memories are naturally associated with music, both hearing it and making it.
As a total aside and completely off topic, my 7 year old son has been playing piano for just over a year and will be playing a similar 9ft Steinway this weekend. I wish he were a little older so he could more fully appreciate the experience, but I am hoping that this will be only the first of several times on this piano.
Thanks for taking the time to not only post this with a lengthy introduction, but also for the excellent comments.
My impression...her facial features are very striking! You've captured her beautifully! Her expression, her clothes, the necklace, and the piano all give her a very elegant, distinguished look! Wonderful portrait of a beautiful musician.
Beautiful Karsh-like tones with dark surroundings to accentuate her graceful concentration; facial expression to reveal what music means to her.
For the pianist:
God was not that generous with Clara Haskil as much as he was with Polina Leschenko, Ingrid Fliter and You. Be thankful for your image.
Bob
Istanbul, Turkey
Hi Bob,
Thank you very much for adding your impression in my Pianist thread.
I appreciate your comments on both levels.
And I notice this is your second posting and you have been a member over a year. So I am glad this topic got your interest and brought you to the discussion.
Also, I thank you as you are the first person in Turkey I have had contact with during my Global Impressions Project.
So...that means I get to add Turkey to my list of places. This is a fun thing for me as I used to collect stamps when I was a kid and now I am trying to "reach" each country on the planet. You helped.
Keep in touch or feel invited to participate in any of my Impressions discussions. More may be coming soon.
sifpandor wrote:
I really like this image. As a musician the hand and her facial expression are very telling for me. The hand indicates the dynamism of music. The hands are never still, they are moving, fluid, alive . . . whether playing chords or preparing for the next progression they are always in motion. This shot suggests that you captured the hands in the middle of this motion. The natural question is where will the hands fall next? Are they mvoing down the keyboard? Will they fall slowly and quietly, or suddenly? Like water or a leaf?
The face on the other hand is all about concentration and contemplation. She is concentrating on the music, which is required at this level, however, at the same time she is contemplating the music which in turn has perhaps led her mind to other thoughts. A forgotten friend, a previous encounter with this piece. As musicians get more accomplished they are able to "let go" in this way more frequently. You captured the contemplation beautifully.
Overall, the image of her at the piano nicely captures an artist in her element. She is poised, in control, but most importantly in love with the music. The violinist Itzhak Perlman once said, "my favorite piece of music is whichever one I am working on at the time." I think you captured his sentiment in this image.
Music is interesting in that so many memories are naturally associated with music, both hearing it and making it.
As a total aside and completely off topic, my 7 year old son has been playing piano for just over a year and will be playing a similar 9ft Steinway this weekend. I wish he were a little older so he could more fully appreciate the experience, but I am hoping that this will be only the first of several times on this piano.
Thanks for taking the time to not only post this with a lengthy introduction, but also for the excellent comments.
Thank you VERY much for adding that nice and detailed Impression above. I really enjoyed reading it. Full of meaning. Well written. Gets to the core of what music means to some people.
I especially enjoyed your poetic wording about the fall of a leaf or water.
I shared those words with the pianist a few hours ago in a meeting. She was thrilled, blushed, and enjoyed your words (and those of others) as I read them to her. You helped to "make her day" and mine too. Thank you.
Also, please consider this a cordial invitation to join any other Impressions discussions too. Your insights and writing will be appreciated by me, and I am sure by others who visit these discussions and read the impressions. You started off with a great contribution and made a "great impression."
And that is so cool that your young son gets to play/perform on such a grand instrument at such an early age. Kinda spoils the ear early eh? Lucky kid. And I am sure you are a proud father too. I know I would be.
.
I understand your points.