Schumann Arabesque, played by Don Betts
In the Hands is primarily for my own recordings, but today I have a special exception to make: over the summer, I recorded Don Betts, my piano teacher, playing in his home. Don has made a great many excellent recordings over the years — including the Chopin album available on this web site — but these recordings we made in his living room are something entirely different. They have a special kind of magic about them. The Chopin album was recorded in a concert hall, and it has a concert hall feeling: it’s Don the performer, playing a big piano in a big space, and with a big manner to match. The way I really think of him, though, is Don the teacher: playing to an audience of one, not performing so much as sharing, hoping you will share his love and his sense of wonder for the music. These recordings are the first that truly capture the Don Betts I know best.
We recorded several pieces, and after much fiddling with EQ, I finally have the first recording prepared and sounding quite decent (though more work is needed!).
Recording in this setting posed some challenges: I had to adapt a recording setup designed for my home studio to an entirely different piano in an entirely different space. It took some experimenting to get mic positions that worked. Don’s piano isn’t a concert instrument, and there was a funny buzz to contend with, plus the noises from outside — you can even hear Don’s fingernails clicking on the keys! I worry a little that listeners used to hearing clinically perfect studio recordings will be put off, but I think you’ll find that there is so much life in this music, your mind won’t notice the surface details for long. Close your eyes and imagine: you’re standing next to a master of the art, in his home, sharing with you what he loves.
Comments
Damn, that’s good. So… playful, so light. Thanks, Paul.
Even if you never bring out a CD of these recordings (yours and his), you should certainly consider making lossless or even just 256 Kbps AAC versions available somehow; they’re well worth the archival quality.
I get a good recording now and then, but Don is a true master — and yes, I mean that in the Yoda / Gandalf / kung fu movie sense. My dad’s marvelous entry about him describes him perfectly. I do believe he plans to put these on a CD sometime … and I swear I will do the same for my own recordings eventually.
Very nice! More info about the piano and the mic placement trials would be welcome
Very very nice. Thank you.
I’ve always liked this Arabesque and I certainly like this version of it. It’s light, but still stands strong. I was however wondering whether one or both of you plays Papillon or Carnaval and whether there’s a chance we’d get to hear it… I hope the answer is yes, those really are two marvelous pieces.
I believe that Don plays the Carnaval, but it’s unlikely you’ll be hearing either piece here soon. You will, however, soon get to hear his version of Kinderszenen!
A real pleasure …a perfect recording technic would not add much anyway .Thank you Mr Don Betts .
Alain ( Paris)
Fantastic, really enjoyed it. Beautiful touch
thanks for that! it’s a beautiful recording, i think you’re right - there’s something special and emotive about private performances.
I loved this piece, never wanted it to end….. I am not musical but I remember an old lady who played the piano, said it had the “sweet sound of an Emerson”, this reminds me of it.
nice to hear something that isn’t being played at the gallop
well done !
Nice work on the recording (and the playing!) of he Arabesque. Keep up the good work.
I am a recent fan of Donld Betts’ Piano playing and am enthralled with his style! I recently had the pleasure of caring for Donald during his last days with us and he shared with me that his biggest regret was that he was no longer able to perform. HE will be missed greatly!