Clementi Sonatina Op. 36, No. 5

So I'm a little late in getting a new recording out there.... but better late than never!  I just posted a recording that I actually made many months ago, but struggled to find the time and energy to publish.  The recording is of Clementi's 5th Sonatina from Op. 36.  I wasn't pleased with my performance of this piece, particularly the left-hand of the first movement, but imperfection is a part of life :-)

Click here to visit the download page

New Photos of Plaque

I've been updating the names on my piano's plaque regularly - but cannot say the same for posting photos! I've finally posted new photos of my plaque that includes all of the most recent donor names through March. Visit this page to view the plaque!

Current Project - Beethoven Sonata

Here is my current "work in progress" - a Beethoven Sonata...

Upright vs. Grand

A visitor to my website recently contacted me and asked my opinion on owning an upright vs. a grand piano.  They asked my opinion because my older recordings were all made on my upright while my newer recordings were made on my grand.  I thought that this was an intriguing question, worthy of sharing on my blog.  Below is the answer that I provided:
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You asked about my thoughts on having an upright vs. a grand piano.  In general, I believe that beautiful art can be created regardless of the medium.  However, the instrument does have a profound affect on the music.  I was finally able to purchase a Steinway grand piano a few years ago.  This was after many years of saving and working towards that goal.  The difference in both sound and touch are extraordinary.  I still own my original upright piano as well.  I now produce all of my recordings on my Steinway grand; but my older recordings were all recorded on my upright.

So to answer your question, yes, I believe that the instrument makes a tremendous difference.  However, the instrument should never be a reason for an artist to stop producing art.  A true artist will work with whatever instrument they have to produce beautiful music.  Pianists especially know this, as we cannot take our own instrument with us when we travel to perform and are subject to whatever instrument is available.  I have even been asked to perform on pianos that were missing keys!

So make the best music that you can with whatever instrument you have available to you; but the quality of the instrument certainly does make a difference.  If you can afford the space and money to purchase a good quality grand piano, then it will definitely provide a better sound.  The touch will largely depend on the manufacturer - so you will want to spend a good amount of time playing each piano before you consider purchasing one to make sure that it "feels" right for you.

Steinway, in my opinion, is still the best piano manufacturer.  However, they are quite costly.  I purchased mine second-hand (used) but only after more than a year of looking at used pianos to find the right one for me.  It was a long journey to save the money and then to find the right piano!

I wish you the very best in your personal journey towards finding the right musical instrument for you.  When you find the right one, you will "know it" both in your hands and in your heart; and it will bring you a lifetime of joy!
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Helping to Sell a Piano to Raise Funds for the Gina Bachauer Foundation

The Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation received a beautiful Baldwin Model L piano as a donation. They are now selling that piano to raise funds to use towards their admirable mission to "promote and perpetuate the pianistic art!"

If you are aware of somebody looking for a grand piano, then be sure to pass along the website.

Muzio Clementi's Sonatina Op. 36 No. 3

Here is the 3rd Sonatina in the set of Six Sonatina's by Muzio Clementi. I hope to find the time to finish all six before the end of 2011 :)

I hope that you enjoy this recording. You may download it from my website, http://www.lisztonian.com/, or by subscribing to my free iTunes or Zune podcast.



Happy Listening!
Jeremiah Jones

New Signatures Added to Piano!

THANK YOU to the many people who have contributed to my music in so many different ways. I especially thank those who have shown support through generous financial contributions. Each recording session costs me approximately $180 (USD), not counting the many hours both before and after each recording. As a result, the kind and thoughtful donations from my listeners are a welcomed and sincerely appreciated gift.

Each individual who donates has the opportunity to include a "signature" that is permanently printed on a plaque mounted to my piano's music stand. I try to update the names on the plaque every few months and just got it back from "the shop" with the latest round of signatures. You can view all of the signatures and donations by clicking here. To go striaght to the pictures, click here.

My heart is always so touched by the thoughtfulness of my listeners. I've received so many words of encouragement and am constantly uplifted by the sincere expressions you give. THANK YOU!

If you would like to have your signature included on the piano, you are always welcome to make a donation of any amount by visiting the donation page on my website. Additionally, there are many other ways you can contribute to spreading a love for classical music! For more information on ways to contribute, click here.

Wishing you all the very best,
Jeremiah Jones