Jamie Syer: Classical Piano

Here’s a sample of what you’ll find in my podcast episodes: thoughtful commentary, and fine performances of classical piano music. If you like what you hear and want more, become a Patron. For as little as $8 per month, you'll receive access to all past and future episodes, along with other special bonus content, available only to Patrons.

Beethoven composed this “Farewell” sonata on the occasion of his patron and friend, Archduke Rudolph, leaving Vienna ahead of Napoleon’s invasion in 1809. It’s Beethoven’s piano music at the height of emotional complexity, and irresistible virtuosity. Part of my CD piano among friends.

Liszt's devilish Mephisto Waltz challenges the piano player, and enthralls the listener — not only with its virtuosity, but with its sensuous expressiveness. I recorded this at the Banff Centre’s Ralston Recital Hall. The image of Franz Liszt is from 1858, around the time he was composing this effervescent and beguiling piano music.

Mozart wrote this Sonata for piano when he was in his mid-20s. It's full of his elegant, gracious, dramatic, poignant music. This is a live recording from my performance at the Victoria Conservatory of Music's Alix Goolden Performance Hall. I've added some commentary to set the stage.

Maurice Ravel composed Le tombeau de Couperin for solo piano, during the second world war. Each of the six movements is dedicated to a personal friend who died between 1914 and 1918. The suite contains some of Ravel's most sublime and characteristic music. This episode includes a complete concert performance, which I presented in Victoria, British Columbia. Also, thoughts about appreciating — and playing — this sublime music.

Here's performance and commentary for three pieces that make me feel particularly happy to be a piano-player. Hope you enjoy them.

An introduction to my podcast series, featuring my performance of Chopin's “Berceuse” with some thoughts about what makes it so beautiful.

Franz Liszt transcribed these songs by Schubert in ways that made them truly his own, while still respecting Schubert’s original achievements. Along with added commentary, this episode features my live performance from Victoria, BC.