Is anyone in the mood for some piano music tonight? It's not classical music, nor serious topics, but short excerpts from some famous songs... The band - I think you would recognize it without my intervention, but here, I will give you a little hint - it has four letters, an acronym of the names of the members of this Scandinavian band that was super popular in the 1970s. Just combine the letters A and B, and you have the answer.
ABBA, you are right. :))
If you remember this post, then you know that I had a week to prepare a new repertoire for a gig. A week in theory from the day I started preparing the songs, ideas and material, but the reality turned out differently. I practised intensively on Tuesday and Wednesday, on Thursday I was already quite busy, so I didn't have much time left to practice the piano. Friday dawned with a migraine and a full day of work, choir rehearsal and an extra performance that was not planned. On Saturday another unplanned performance arrived, so the entire planned week of rehearsal was reduced to fewer days and hours. Thanks to all of you who gave me ideas and suggestions in the aforementioned post, I hope you enjoyed being my guests. However, it cannot be left like that... I suppose I should share with those who were interested in the matter the experience and the result of how it went. š
Despite the time I had to prepare the new repertoire I was pleasantly surprised that I managed to organize it combining new songs and old ones that needed just a scan or little practice. A new repertoire is always a risk to play for the first time in front of other people but I was more than satisfied with the way how they turned out on the evening of the performance. I mostly talk here about the new ABBA songs that I practised and played. While I was studying them I realized that the pianist guy from the band knew how to play this instrument... the piano part is not easy but it is very well written so it gives a lot of joy to play it.
Is this a blurred photo? Pffff, I just see it now, but I promise I didn't take any alcohol when I took it. š I had a cup of tea and a bottle of fresh water. The guests (luckily not too many in total) were chilling in the lobby part when I arrived and placed my piano in this circle part. I was too shy to put it in the middle... I placed it in a bit more hidden part and connected the piano to the speakers. To my relief, the guy who was responsible for the sound set the volume to a level that would not bother anyone as the guests like to talk. It is not a concert, a show that requires attention and active participation. The idea was to offer them some tunes they could love to hear, but still have their own time and stay there for a drink if they fancy.
I made two parts. In the first part, I didn't enjoy it fully because of the sound. I didn't hear the piano as I would have liked to, it was a weird feeling if it was not me playing it but it was just a matter of time before I got used to it. In the second part, I already got used to the sound and just let myself feel good with what I did. š¶
I didn't know I would have some recorded material to share with you, but the person who was there to check the sound made and sent me a few short videos. I put them together so you can also hear a little part of three songs... I think I don't have to announce the names of them, they are very popular and you will easily recognize them. This was still the part where I was just too focused (but surprisingly not nervous at all)... after the little break and when I received some really nice feedback from people telling me they liked it a lot, I relaxed more.
This was a different evening for me because of the place (the open, lobby bar) and repertoire, but a challenge as it was also a personal test - could I prepare these new songs in a short time and play them in public!? Are there things that could be better in this place and with the whole concept..? Probably yes, many, but if I am posting this... it means that I was content with the result of my test. š
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