wots72 Says:

Mar 20, 2008 - The Weather Cnannel could use Beethoven's 9th Symphony and it wouldn't make it "Weather Channel music". And I didn't bring up Bill Evans, he did, as one of his many ignorant disparaging remarks.

ciuliuscaesar Says:

Mar 20, 2008 - Very well, Jurmu. Clearly I need to prove that Ravel and Debussy were influenced by Alkan; but what to what standard do you suggest that my proof ought be? I acknowledge that it may not be of a "reasonable doubt" standard, but as Kastle has acknowledged that Ravel and Debussy studied Alkan, I am quite certain that a reasonable person would accept that it is more likely than not that they were influenced by him, particularly in case of pièces caractéristiques.

ciuliuscaesar Says:

Mar 20, 2008 - If you examined our argument in full, ypu will notice that Kastle began badly, and I reproached him for it. It began dialectically, and so I do not think it strange that continues on those grounds. I do not see how I am doing badly, when you consider that Kastle's comments have been themselves "superficial", and that he is yet to prove a point beyond that of Alkan's influence, which I think is secondary to the original argument.

jurmu11 Says:

Mar 20, 2008 - I don't think his comments have been superficial. That was a very quick and thorough argument that he used to dispute the Brahms connection, and I agree with him that Brahms didn't imitate Alkan. And he is also keeping the discussion grounded in music while other people are discussing everything but. Studying something and being influenced by it are two different things. I don't see any Alkan in either of those two composers.

wots72 Says:

Mar 20, 2008 - If only Kastle would keep the discussion grounded in music. Every other word he types is 'moron', 'idiot' or some other slight. You call that a serious discussion of music? It's little more than cheap shot oneupsmanship. You said yourself he's an a-hole. But just because you're willing to take his abuse doesn't mean anyone else should. Nor should you expect them to. If Kastle really has something to say, let him drop the caustic pretense, and get to it.

ciuliuscaesar Says:

Mar 21, 2008 - Not superficial? He dismisses "Le Festin d'Esope" as salon trash!

wots72 Says:

Mar 21, 2008 - Precisely, ciulius. Kastle's asserts that Alkan is a "nothing composer" who "influenced nobody" and whose music "sucks". But the vast majority of his statements amount to nothing more than his doleful opinion about Alkan, laced with copious amounts of hyperbole and invective. Kastle has proven this much: that he's an Alkan hater... which is really just an extension of his larger vocation in life, that of racist/hater. Just click on his profile and see how it grows uglier all the time.

ciuliuscaesar Says:

Mar 21, 2008 - Most of the rascist I have met do not confine themselves to vilifying only one racial group. If Kastle is so hostile to Asians, I think it likely that he is an anti-Semite as well. That, I believe, is the real reason for why he dislikes Alkan.

dnephi Says:

Mar 29, 2008 - Op. 33, II: Quasi Faust. Main theme. Liszt Sonata in B Minor, Theme #3 "Hammerblows" You're welcome.

therandomcoolness Says:

Apr 19, 2008 - Dude you rock every think of adding a violin part? Good job.

MetalMeetch Says:

Apr 29, 2008 - I think it's funny how all these "youtubers" get into such heated debates about such trivial things. Kastle- if you don't like Alkan, then why the hell are you watching this video? Stop contradicting yourself by being here. Caesar- It's great to be history major and rub it in people's faces, but don't get angry at others when you blatantly condescend to them with your apparent knowledge of everything musical, and not expect them to have an opinion.

ciuliuscaesar Says:

May 5, 2008 - And I think its funny that judiciously pompous people like to waste their time commenting about 'trivial things'. How did I rub the 'history majory' (which I don't actually have) in anyone's face? I do expect people to have an opinion. Kastle stated his, and I point out its deficience in reason. Now be quiet and enjoy the music.

MetalMeetch Says:

May 6, 2008 - Yet another hypocrite, sigh. I "AM" here to enjoy the music. That is whole point. Stop bickering, take the knot out of your panties and take your own advice.

matrix6419 Says:

May 10, 2008 - killer

123eldest Says:

May 13, 2008 - Alkanian is this song particularly difficult to play?it sounds ok but so do loads of pieces until u actually try them. im thinking of learning it and just wanted your opinion. thanks.

Eristhenes Says:

Jun 26, 2008 - Hey, Alkanian, you say in your blurb, "sorry about the sloppy playing..." LOL I wish I could play that "sloppy". Phenomenal, just phenomenal. It just seems to roll off your hands.

fxcknaruto Says:

Jun 30, 2008 - Thanks for playing Alkan. Don't read that Kastle trash (should he respond to this, it would prove he enjoys being here). He proves the technical side of the argument and ignores the subjective side of music. All his writing is is copious amounts philippic and pontificating. can you try le vent? or the second movement of his sonata?

alkanian Says:

Jun 30, 2008 - Thanks for the kind comment... i have played the second movement of the sonata but a while back... too much to bring back now :) hopefully when i learn the trois mercuex de lans genre pathetique i will post all 3 movements, its a work in progress so give it some time... Thanks again

fxcknaruto Says:

Jun 30, 2008 - can't wait to see that! i know le vent, but at only 3/4 tempo, it loses its character and i don't want to post it as there are alkan haters out there that look for fights... all i can say is that 2 page transition is a pain in the ass and i hope you can do MUCH better than i can. and thanks for having the balls to post alkan again amidst all the pompous rambling of people who "don't get" his music. i wish i did. good luck on 30 ans. ill pray for you when you work on it again.

charvinn Says:

Jul 13, 2008 - ... -blown away-

pgobbi Says:

Jul 30, 2008 - QUIEN ES ESTE MUCHACHOO

awdrgyjilplijygrdwaw Says:

Aug 7, 2008 - You call that sloppy?!!!

mvs1312 Says:

Aug 17, 2008 - I am glad people are starting to like alkan very, very nice playing keep it up. My son asks if you can play allegretto alla barbaresca. He is crazy with that song.

yeagemk Says:

Oct 14, 2008 - I was going to post a sarcastic nitpicking insult to this performance, but I can't even come up with a feigned criticism. That was incredible!

Malaka57 Says:

Nov 19, 2008 - Hey Alkanian! Kudos Bravo and thanks for posting. I an old Alkan fan, and put your absolutely "driven" performance of this work at the top of my list. There is something so borderline about this work. Phenomenal, truly.