The Great Mario Pianist

**arjue** · 06 Oct 2004, 07:55 AM

he's pretty awesome, but yeah, in need of a metronome.

**SonofdonCD** · 06 Oct 2004, 08:10 AM

I wouldn't say that he really needs a metronome that much. I think he was genuinely trying to be more expressive with his playing. I've seen enough classically trained musicians take liberties with tempo for such things.

But anyway, most of his tempo troubles disappear once he's done with the main Mario theme at the beginning. Keep in mind he was playing blindfolded.

(Please keep in mind that I'm not downplaying his obvious talent, merely speaking the truth.)

About that playing blindfoled, actually: It really isn't as hard as it might seem. It's just a matter of rote memory. To be more precise, muscle memory. Think of it like typing on your keyboard. I'm sure most of you type without looking down at the letters all the time, right? The same applies to playing an instrument, even something as complicated as the drum set.

He also needs to watch his bass notes, as he missed a lot of them at the end when it sped up (understandably so).

Needless to say, though, this video is awesome. I watch it every now and then, whenever I'm in a Mario listening mood.

**MVS** · 06 Oct 2004, 08:17 AM

Playing the piano blindfolded is nothing amazing in the slightest.

**SonofdonCD** · 06 Oct 2004, 08:36 AM

It is to the average non-pianist. Thus the dispelling of this in my post.

**arjue** · 06 Oct 2004, 08:51 AM

I was taught music at school by a guy who was taught piano by a guy who's considered by many to be one of the worlds finest accompanyists (jesus, my english is bad). He got his masters in music through the Australian Conservatorium of Music, which is considered to be one of if not the most elite music school on the earth. He was an amazing pianist even though he was out of form. Seeing musicians as good as him frequently kinda dampers the experience of seeing other great musicians. I've got the same problem with drummers.