May 23 (Var 8)

OK, I've figured out what to do with the overlapping parts at the end. Now I just have to commit them to memory. As usual, the recording is much worse than the last couple of practice runs; I was composing this post in my head. I was also anticipating dog squeaks which somehow never happened, even though she was rolling around on the ground with her squeaker the whole time.

I don't like this variation. But strangely, I really enjoy playing the middle part of this, where the left hand is climbing and the chord changes are simple and clean. As you're listening, try to hear the melody in the bass - that's where it starts anyway. I didn't even recognize this variation at first because I was focusing on the right hand, but at least at the beginning the treble notes are really just decoration for the bass melody. The recording is so much faster, and the artist so much better at bringing out the melody, that I didn't even recognize it at first with my clumsy playing. Still, it's another step in the right direction. 

May 21 (Var 8)

Assistant Coach said today, while I was practicing: "It doesn't sound like your heart is in it". No, it probably doesn't. "I'm doing it because I have to" I said. Thanks for listening, anyway - without listeners I wouldn't have much reason to keep going!

May 20 (Var 8)

Time for a little secret: Most of my practicing happens late at night. I go about the day, doing all the normal things that I do, and then I relax with a cup of tea and I practice, sometimes as late as 10 or 11pm. Can't do that with visitors, so I missed the last two days! Sorry! Today I made sure to make time.

I'm pushing the tempo way too fast, hence the mistakes. I need to be playing with the metronome. Today I just drillllllllled measures 17 through 24. Hope you're enjoying this variation more than I am!