COLORS - Code Geass OP [piano]

So COLORS....
= = = = = About the Piece = = = = =
First off, the difficulty is off the charts for me. I don't know why Animenz's original didn't land in his top 10 but this "culmination" version, is very difficult for me. To me, It's harder than Animenz's Unravel. This is because of the generally fast tempo, the jumps, arpeggios, scales, thirds, sixths, Godowsky, and other crazy things.
It bears many similarities to Animenz's and my original sheets so I consider it a joint effort; in other words, a conglomeration of our ideas. He provided the structure and texture that I needed, and I further processed them while adding some jazzy twists and insane runs.
I changed elements around, to make the musical patterns more coherent ---- you'll know if you scrutinize and understand the sheets.
The middle section, also has more thirds and probably the same amount of sixths (just relocated to the end).
Towards the end, I've done something unique. I used ideas similar to a Godowsky etude (based off Chopin's original studies) in the left hand while maintaining the melody in the right. So you could say the difficulty momentarily surpassed that of a Chopin-Godowsky etude. (CAN ANYONE NAME THE GODOWSKY ETUDE?)
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
I experimented with the ending by making the original segue into a "fading run" which ends abruptly.
I had a lot of ideas and they came to fruition here. I'm sure it's the same for Animenz. Together, we were able to discover new sounds in the process. This is why I value collaboration or even "teamwork" for larger collabs. You get to explore different ideas and arguably, you have a better chance at crafting your vision into reality, just as you would in reaching the Everest summit in a team.
= = = == History = = = = =
This piece has a relatively long history. I recall that being excited for Animenz's version in 2013 but things happened and I decided to arrange it myself in 2015 spring. Back then, I had no recording equipment so I asked Animenz to try my despairingly difficult sheets. In the end, he took the essence of my sheets and created his own impression of COLORS.
Well a year passed...he also did the same with Sayonara Memories, except since it was even harder, he had no choice but to nerf everything (things sound great in theory/midi, but in practice, it's not that neat) and ultimately, he also arranged his own version.
I thought it would be a waste if I didn't a least upload one of the two ---- but this time, arranged as I envisioned. COLORS was the lesser of the two evils so I decided to nerf it, using the essences of both Animenz's and my original sheets.
Nerfing it lowered the difficulty to a purgatory between advanced and insane. I kept practicing for a day but my left hand started to hurt in 2 ways: 1) dull pain emerged in my palm since I made many attempts at recording (which naturally means, I had to play the black key glissando a lot), 2) my left index fingernail chipped away leaving less protection.
In the end, though the take probably isn't the extent of my potential, this was the best I could manage with the pain before I had to call it a day. No matter what, I had to move on ---- from both perfection and the past.
= = = = = About the Recording = = = = =
How's the sound?
How's the video? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
I switched the camera angle since 1) I didn't want to take off the sheet rack and 2) the plastic wrap looks a little odd.
= = = = =Final Words = = = = =
Thank you, Animenz for being a pianist bro. It's hard to believe 2.5 years have passed since we met at Steinway Gallery in California. Time flies, and "life goes on." The community and I will miss your covers and tweets as you go offline the coming year.
Thank you, Godowsky and Chopin, for creating enduring works that inspire us.
_______________________________
Sheet Music: coming soon
Facebook: / chrisluan.piano
_______________________________
COLORS
Code Geass OP (コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ OP)
Piano rearrangement by Chris Luan (阮克理)
Based off arrangements by Animenz and Chris Luan (阮克理)
Original Artist: FLOW
_______________________________
Update (10.9.16): Sheets updated (Bar 45)

[@JamesChouAnimePiano]

Animenz's original sheet is exactly very very difficult (harder than unravel to some extent..in my opinion). And your arrangement is even harder, haha. That is just, more than amazing. And also congrats on your back!

[@ChrisLuan]

Yeah, I was surprised that COLORS wasn't in Animenz's updated Top 10 hardest list. I was back for a moment --- but school has started, so I don't have much time to practice again...if the audio recording of my next cover hadn't been so muffled, Id have uploaded it this past weekend. But I guess I have to try again --- on such a hard song lol. Your covers are also hyped. It's a pleasure to listen to an arrangement in a different yet virtuosic style.

[@MadPianoLife]

Holy shit lol you know its fucking real when James Chou says your arrangement is hard O_O grats man and not to seem stalker or anything but checked ur profile and saw u go to UCLA. I live in cali to and I hope you're still there in 3 years that's my dream college and meeting you is also a life goal :)

[@ChrisLuan]

Madlife Senpai Lol, I'm graduating from UCLA with my BS next summer. Since this is my last year, I have to focus more on grades and building my resume with plenty of experience/traits. After all, I do want to aim for medical school, and UCLA DGSOM would be a top choice.

[@FonziMGM]

Amazing, it looks and sounds even harder (and personally better) than Animenz's version!

[@ChrisLuan]

Glad you liked it! 〔´∇｀〕

[@SheetMusicDesu]

Because it is harder lol, he showed me the sheets.

[@ChrisLuan]

Yep, you can compare sheets/midi if you go to the description.

[@SheetMusicDesu]

I've broken my fingers.

[@FonziMGM]

+Chris Luan (阮克理) I say it's harder based on the video particularly from the call and response part in the first verse (C# C C#) as you went more treble whereas Animenz was bassier, and personally I didn't like that. You have way more runs (or probably longer runs). Textural integrity is amazing throughout.

[@abdullahhassan3490]

You know it is good when animenz cover get inspired from it.

[@ChrisLuan]

The question is if you got inspired σ(ﾟｰ^*)

[@daveyisvibing8630]

How does not have more views lol, this was an awesome piano cover

[@LouisR56]

Yes, finally you're back! :D Awesome job, it sounds great !

[@ChrisLuan]

I'm Bach. Thanks, I was worried the audio might be strange, since I hadn't set up the equipment in a while.

[@evolve3642]

Another amazing cover, looking forward to your subsequent uploads!

[@ChrisLuan]

Gracias

[@user-pd6io6lf5r]

Thank you for the cover! You're amazing

[@ChrisLuan]

Ty

[@ChronicalV]

dayum, didn't know you guys collabed! and wow I love how jazzy this is, I'm glad Animenz is also recently starting to do add more jazz to his pieces (I have been waiting for a while to hear how he uses the style)

[@ChrisLuan]

Well, it wasn't strictly a collab. More of just an exchange between us. But the end result is probably the same as for a collab, if not similar. Yeah, jazz is cool. ~

[@kylin3197]

Yea I'll get back into piano just for this. Thanks for the piano sheet!

[@ChrisLuan]

Let me know how it goes. Post for posterity. =)

[@vietdamien]

Wooah I saw the synthesia version of your work but I was wondering where the real version was. Finally I get it ! 😍

[@ChrisLuan]

Yeah, the Synthesia video is from my original version. This is a cross between that and Animenz's. (^・ω・^ )

[@nathanielthomas7642]

I’m really late to the show but I just wanted to say this was amazing. So glad I decided to check out the arrangement that inspired animenz. You now have a new subscriber 😄

[@ChrisLuan]

Thank you so much, I appreciate this! 👍

[@anber0th]

Damn, very nice and hard cover .. It sounds really very good, just continue :D

[@ChrisLuan]

I will do my best haha.

[@robertonita1279]

You just gained a new sub! That's too impressive.

[@ChrisLuan]

Thanks.

[@angelayee5246]

Just finished watching code geass, and drastically became a fan and now Im your fan. Just wow. You’re arrangement is even better with the original one (animenz) in standards of accuracy and dexterity. Kudos!

[@ChrisLuan]

Thanks Angela, glad you liked it! 🎃 Hope you'll like my future covers too

[@zengarang]

JIBUNNN WOOOOOO The technicality of this arrangement is off the charts. Every run is fantastically interwoven and the jazzy flares are absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed reading about how you and Animenz inspired each other's versions of this piece, because in my opinion that is one of the most important sources of creativity when it comes to writing music. I can't wait to hear what you have in store next! :D

[@ChrisLuan]

Yeees, like any other community, our J-pop/miscellaneous piano community wouldn't be the what it is if we didn't all share our covers and ideas! I can't wait to get the upload over with too...but first, practice lol. Tons of it.

[@DareruPiano]

Seriously.... You are one of the most inspiring arrangers out there. To arrange and execute a song this well is just astonishing, everything is just on point

[@ChrisLuan]

Well, to begin with, COLORS is such a well-known song from a legendary anime. I remember liking the song quite a bit, especially when I first watched Code Geass and listened to it 4 years ago. I just wanted to create sounds that lived up to the show, to bring different aspects to light, and evoke fond memories of it. φ（．．）

[@DareruPiano]

you definitely did it justice

[@ChrisLuan]

Sure thing! (n˘v˘•)¬

[@ErikCPianoman]

Damn sounds great. It's interesting to hear the backstory of making this arrangement. Awesome job m8. Also the sound is great.

[@ChrisLuan]

Thanks for reading. Souls like you deserve KZbin paradise, just for reading the description. (ノ°ο°)ノ

[@PrettyPatterns]

This arrangement is really awesome, you did your job there ! I hope your hands are fine now

[@ChrisLuan]

There isn't much feeling in my fingertips right now, but I hope to start practicing for my next upload...

[@CSMPiano]

One more thing, I think the sound quality is even better than before now, it sounds much more "juicy" and smooth, and there is no clips now. Simply love it :3 As for the camera angle, I personally prefer the old angle, since it allows me (and other anime pianist) to be able to observe and analyze how you arranges your song, and consequently learn a thing or two about arranging (at least that's how I get better at arranging, by observing ideas and try to implement them in my arrangements)

[@ChrisLuan]

I think one thing I did that helped was turn down the gain but I'd have to ask Ishter and Animenz how they do their recording. Their audio is top notch. Ahh, to an extent I prefer watching videos with the old angle, like Animenz's previous ones so I don't know haha. Maybe I'll change angles on a case-by-case basis then. We'll see. (=^･^=)

[@aciabi467]

Nice work dude. Love your arranging style. At the moment i am practising your Namae no nai kaibutsu. It is just amazing.

[@ChrisLuan]

Good luck man...I think Namae no Nai Kaibutsu is the hardest song on my channel so far. But there are definitely future covers that will blow it away in terms of difficulty ---- why am I so certain? Because the sheets are done and I've tried playing through them. ⌒°(❛ᴗ❛)°⌒

[@screamingpiano]

Omg you are insane and amazing!!! I love the original arrangement but I now think I love your arrangement more!

[@ChrisLuan]

Haha thanks! I also like how you're documenting your progress on your channel. Keep it up!

[@screamingpiano]

(*gasp* omg senpai noticed me >w

[@ChrisLuan]

:3

[@ThePianoDevil]

Wow this is super virtuosic. I was fascinated by your left hand and the jazzy ornaments. The breaks you took between the phrases were some interesting ideas. The etude techniques were used in a great way in my opinion. Awesome job man.

[@ChrisLuan]

Know which etude inspired me/I paraphrased?

[@ThePianoDevil]

Op.10 No.1? It sounded like those advanced arpeggios with a sub melody following it.

[@ChrisLuan]

Yep, close enough --- it's a paraphrase of Godowsky's left hand etude of Op.10 No.1 in Db Major.

[@ThePianoDevil]

Lol, pretty insane stuff.

[@wdelwyn2212]

all i wanna said, i fking love it :D so much techniques used in here, one of my biggest regrets is that i didnt explore much classical music and the other periods. i rmb how last time im unable to play animenz/ishter piece etc., but now its slightly easier for me to play their pieces. thx for uploading dis man, i kind of get some ideas on how to arranging my songs now by learning from u :)

[@ChrisLuan]

The thing is there's always more to explore. I mean I had been learning classical music up until 5 years ago. That was all I knew. And now, other types of music interest me --- such as smooth jazz styles, so I've been trying to make the harmonies/textures less "square" in my arrangements. Learning about it is hard since the only exposure I get is on KZbin (just listening while doing school work) and I don't practice as much as other pianists here /dormlife.

[@minnie-piano3969]

this is just too good

[@ha1ftruth]

Please continue your covers they absolutely brilliant. T.T

[@ChrisLuan]

Yeah, I will. I just haven't had much time to practice or play because I'm in my final year of college. With that, I also need to step up to the challenges that this final year brings.

[@CSMPiano]

Real comment this time This is truly an inspiring masterpiece. Overwhelming technique, brilliant chord choices and musical direction, to cut it short, simply unparalleled. I truly love the right hand during the middle section, truly creative, unique, and awe-struck. I truly love the power and energy in this nuclear plant of a piece, everything is brilliant placed together. I truly love the unique chords that gives the song a unique, yet intriguing feeling. thank you so much once again for inspiring me, this masterpiece is totally worth the wait. I've been trying my best to create a meaningful pieces ever since I discovered your Reverie (a piece which I still listen to everyday in my mp3, you could say that it is now become some sort of sentimental value to me) your story and musicianship always motivate to reach the higher height. I can't wait to see how your Ninelie will affect us once again, Truly an amazing work ! PS. I'm sorry for acting like a total fanboy, but that's because I think of you as my idol, the musician who I aspire to be (Sorry for being creepy xD)

[@ChrisLuan]

Thank you for all the support man. It helps a lot. I also have Animenz to thank --- he was the one who really accepted my request to look at and play my original sheets. Without that, he wouldn't have made his version. Without that, I wouldn't have been re-inspired. Though we may stand of the shoulders of giants (like Animenz, Chopin, etc.) to see this expansive vista, I consider them to be my brother-in-arms in music. Btw, I also listened to the piano solo version of HimaNatsu's main theme a lot when MDZ first shared the OSTs with me. Listening to it during a long, solitary walk overlooking the landscape under the night sky is just ~~~ Yes, Ninelie...another monstrosity to reckon with.

[@CSMPiano]

It's simply phenomenal how you guys inspire each other, as well as many of us. Like how the tree gradually grow from its center, more and more people join this community after being inspired by the famous anime pianist like Animenz and Ishter, and many anime pianist inspire each other to improve, which in turn, inspire those who never think they're able to play by ear to try to create their arrangements. Good luck in your journey to become well-known in this community, you have my support ! PS. HimaNatsu and Sakura no Uta soundtracks are simply gorgeous, as expected of Matsumoto Fuminori :3 I really hope there will be more piano transcription for it. And haha....Good luck with the monster that you have created good sir xD

[@l3arner]

underrated!

[@Sayuriii-AnimePiano]

hey man first of all I want say that the camera position is really good personally I like it, that long description xD but I read it when u take so much time to write so it's worth to read :3 but man holy that arrangement is a masterpiece that inspire me now a lot to work harder that is sooo good, the tempo is kinda fast but it sounds very awesome love your version one of the best cover for this piece! I looking towards to your next cover special to ninlie I can't wait man haha :3

[@ChrisLuan]

Oh hmmm, the camera position is appealing as a creator since it's easy to set up (I don't have to worry about the sheet music rack, and the plastic wrap won't show up ---- removing the wrap is not an option lol.) Yeah man, stuff like this isn't spontaneous. I put in a lot of time and effort --- numerous revisions ---- to get from transcribing the first note to delivering it through your speakers, haha. But it's worth it in the end, especially when I see all the support I get in the comments and on Facebook. I feel that I am making a difference in the world and leaving something unique behind as well.

[@Sayuriii-AnimePiano]

Yeah it was really worth it, now you have here a really awesome masterpiece and its nice to hear and that u got the support that is important and i hope that there comes a lot more to see your awesome work :3 and you deserve it so much :3

[@bobbyurquia]

well you can definitely refine this. the feels are delicate and its the story. soo. still well done i cant even do that haha

[@ChrisLuan]

Ahh, try your best.

[@wano12]

Awesome , video even looks like it's speed up, great job!!

[@ChrisLuan]

The video is shot in 60 fps actually, so it looks different from other videos, which are typically in 30 fps.

[@mavisdom-animeonpiano]

I just found your channel 😩even if this is 3 years old its still as awesome as ever

[@ChrisLuan]

Haha, thanks for finding my channel in this wide sea. That's my hope - to make uploads that are timeless.

[@mavisdom-animeonpiano]

Chris Luan definitely a timeless cover

[@snowyowlll]

Love it! Now to spend 2 months trying to learn it.... haha. Also love all the fun techniques! Needs to be harderrrrrr ;)

[@ChrisLuan]

No no no, you don't want my arrangements to be any more difficult --- everyone would nope out of my older arrangements (~2013). Glad you enjoyed it though.

[@snowyowlll]

whaaaa post em!

[@striderpiano]

Jevin G wait....... you want it HARDER????????

[@user-ki5gf7uu5h]

素晴らしい！！

[@ChrisLuan]

ありがとう！

[@Thundenfury]

That's just out of league man...I'm really glad you finally uploaded it. Nice thumnbail btw ༼ ͠ ͠° ͜ʖ ͡° ༽

[@ChrisLuan]

Leloouchh

[@TheRaxin1246]

One year later and I am some what closer to this.

[@ChrisLuan]

Nice, keep it up!

[@RoyalDragoHunter]

subbed. I hope you get more active :D i love to watch good pianist like Animenz, Ishter, James, Semitech. etc. :D Its a inspiration, for someone who wants to get there one day. :)

[@ChrisLuan]

Thanks for tuning in.

[@bentaylor10]

Damn no dislikes 😲 awesome cover dude

[@chunhsiang5734]

well done

[@ChrisLuan]

I prefer medium rare personally. I'm just joking, haha. Thanks =D

[@Michael-lg4se]

that's quite hard and impressive dude give u a sub :)

[@ChrisLuan]

Thanks. Appreciate the sub.

[@MisterPandoras]

"Quite" hard XDD

[@user-qz9kb1zt3p]

nice cover :D your previous video namae no nai kaibutsu is very difficult but this this one is more hard wow.... and i like the video is 60fps thanks for the awesome cover and keep it on you well have many subscriber soon

[@ChrisLuan]

Thank you. Oh, you think this one is harder? Hm, so far, here's how I rate the difficulty of my arrangements with 99%+ finalized sheets --- 1. C²onnect - Madoka Franchise................................................................insane 2. Namae no Nai Kaibutsu - Psycho Pass ED1.........................................insane 2. Ninelie - Koutetsujou no Kabaneri ED....................................................insane 4. Reverie - a Fantasy on a Theme of Himawari no Kyoukai....................advanced 4. Orange - Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso ED2.................................................advanced 6. COLORS - Code Geass OP......................................................................advanced 7. Secret Base (10 years after version) - Ano Hana ED............................advanced 8. To Zanarkand × Touko - Final Fantasy X × Kara no Shoujo 2 OST .....proficient I think I may as well just announce these covers. So look forward to them.

[@user-qz9kb1zt3p]

colors is ranked in 6.. i can't imagine connect is how difficult is ; anyway i can't wait your secret base,connect,ninelie cover there are one of my favorite songs

[@ChrisLuan]

COLORS is ranked "6" only because of how the two 2-way ties preceding it. It's still quite hard --- I think it's harder than Unravel (Animenz) in some aspects.

[@abc-id1sq]

Great arrangement dude. I found you from watching your reverie video. Im practicing reverie now and I love how dreamy and soothing the piece sounds. This arrangements sounds pretty epic as well. Keep up the good work! Also do you have any tips on how to git gud on playing tuplets. The triplets and rubato in reverie is killing me LOL.

[@ChrisLuan]

Thanks. Hmm, do you have a specific example from Reverie?

[@abc-id1sq]

Mainly the C major section of the piece

[@ChrisLuan]

Ahh, the middle section --- listen to Rachmaninoff's Variation 18 from Variations on a Theme of Paganini. It will help you with rubato and the execution.

[@maxchong8324]

Love the jazzy details and colorful chord choices! I'm doing a project for my Music Class on analyzing/combining piano arrangements of "COLORS" and found your version really stood out from Animenz/Theisthers, is there a link for the updated sheets so that I could try my best to analyze your performance? Thanks!

[@ChrisLuan]

All sheets will be on MyMusicSheet. The way I see it is: (1) I can upload the "old" engraved sheets as placeholders there and when updated, they'll be ready for download via the same link or (2) Sheets will be available only if the sheets are renovated/re-engraved. I'm guessing (1) would suit your purpose but I don't know how others feel.

[@ycld1819]

Wow it's one of the most amazing arrangements in anime piano! and may i ask if i can get the sheet?

[@me_dyrl]

finally. a cover of this.

[@ChrisLuan]

that's what I thought too. "finally"

[@me_dyrl]

Chris Luan (阮克理) Well, i reviewed the video i ask you if you're going to cover this, in the reverie of fantasy. You did mention you're going to upload the Psycho Pass ed, then colors will be up next, i think about 7 months ago. Anyway, the hype. LOL. You're awesome, Chris. =D

[@ChrisLuan]

Thanks man. Yeah, the hype lol --- partially due to my schedule. Maybe I should continue building up hype for ninelie lol. (I actually recorded but the audio is botched so I have to practice more and record it in the future --- who knows when now that school has started.)

[@me_dyrl]

Looking 4ward to it. =)

[@KeannuArroyo]

You are a god

[@ChrisLuan]

Close. I'm a dog, according to the Chinese zodiac.

[@shrivasram]

Full of colors 🤙

[@ChrisLuan]

Thx 🤙🤙🤙

[@shrivasram]

@@ChrisLuan btw you studied in ucla?

[@soul8985]

JIBUN WOOOOOO

[@ChrisLuan]

Hopefully season 3 has an OP/ED just as catchy.

[@user-vz8er9ie6e]

This is very hard to play like left hand's jump...! what do you think about Animenz's sheets?

[@ChrisLuan]

Animenz is cool. His style is the result of 7 years of experience and refinement. My style is still very new in comparison.

[@orfrisbee2121]

wowww amazing

[@ChrisLuan]

Why not make the background of your profile pic white?

[@orfrisbee2121]

didn't expect to this comment lol i don't know i just wanted to change the normal youtube profile and this is the first pic i found.

[@ChrisLuan]

I felt that I had to spice things up in the comments lol. What did you search for in your search engine? Anyways, thanks for tuning in.

[@orfrisbee2121]

Lol i don't really remember but that was something like ''youtube profile'' and i just found this picture by the way i just finished CODE GEASS and i have to say this is my favorite anime but the end of the series killed me ;//

[@milosomboonwiwat238]

Damn this is so 🔥🔥🔥.Wanna play it so bad but seems too hard for me😢.Do u have any tip for intermediate level like me?

[@samidejong106]

WOW 😮

[@ChrisLuan]

pog

[@samidejong106]

@@ChrisLuan seriously though this is amazing!

[@pianobirb5644]

this version is up there with pianeets ridiculously hard one

[@craiver00]

As expected, You'll make another more complex cover. My brain can't even process how you pulled off such fast arpeggios or the so called piano sweep together with the hard coordination with left hand. Keep making "bad-ass" covers bro~

[@ChrisLuan]

Hm, do you mean the black key glissando in the left hand? Or the jazzy runs?

[@craiver00]

Oh yes. I was referring in glissandos. I'm not really particular when it comes with musical terms sorry. Are you planning to make an unravel cover too?

[@ChrisLuan]

Nah, no plans for Tokyo Ghoul at the moment. Besides, I don't think I'd be able to contribute something new even if I uploaded Unravel (basically still 95% Animenz's version). If you search around, you might be able to find my live concert recordings, you can hear me play many of Animenz's songs. I admit that Unravel is a "cash cow" for KZbin channels but I want to focus on other music right now. I have several arrangements finished already anyways.

[@YehPianoCovers]

This is a truly brilliant arrangement and beautiful performance of this piece. Haha I would have wanted to see someone attempt ur original synthesia version (the second one). Maybe I'll try it? Also one thing, ur arpeggios, they sound perfect but ur left hand looks weird (I don't know). Maybe the angle? Or uve practiced too much? Maybe it's just me

[@ChrisLuan]

Feel free to tag someone other than me, to attempt the original Synthesia version lol. Good luck, it's very very hard. All my arrangements are very very hard. As for my left hand, you might be right on the 1) angle, 2) my hand positioning habits, and 3) my left fingernails were wearing away. They still hurt today if I press against them the wrong way.

[@YehPianoCovers]

ahh i know that feeling. hey how do you play black key glisses with left hand?

[@TheNightFox919]

and another cover i wont be able to play! its still pretty nice btw

[@ChrisLuan]

Thanks. Btw, I *may* (just maybe) get into simpler or shorter songs in the future. So hopefully, immersing yourself in the music will be easier and/or more sentimental than ever.

[@bboy2392]

This is a lovely arrangement, but I slightly enjoy Animenz's more simply because it sounds more like the original and has more fluidity, this is my personal preference, but I still believe that the piece should replicate the effect that the original made.

[@ChrisLuan]

Thanks for the feedback

[@CSMPiano]

Since I just took my time scouting the comment section, let me comment some more as well I guess :P

[@ChrisLuan]

Ok

[@zZz-ug4oc]

Even though 2019 I also keep listening

[@ChrisLuan]

I'm glad my channel is "old" enough to get comments like this lol

[@zZz-ug4oc]

@@ChrisLuan haha add oil

[@ActionAdam]

@@zZz-ug4oc Haha what? "add oil" nani

[@ChrisLuan]

nani intensifies

[@zZz-ug4oc]

@@ActionAdamMy Eng not good so I google for you😂😂😂 Add oil is an expression that has gained a lot of currency in Hong Kong in the last few years. A literal translation of the Cantonese phrase ga yao, it is used by Hong Kongers as an exclamation expressing encouragement or support.

[@CSMPiano]

FIRST WOO

[@ChrisLuan]

JIBUN WOO

[@fisherdude9456]

Can I hear your opinion on something? There's debate on whether My Dearest is harder than Unravel. Animenzzz believes unravels harder what do you think? great arrangement and performance BTW 😃

[@ChrisLuan]

Well, it depends on the pianist. For instance, I don't think Mirai Nikki is THAT hard since he's arranged other things that are harder than that (like Kancolle soundtrack medley). He arranged My Dearest in 2012-13 right? Maybe familiarity with the song has made it easier over time for him. Imagine the amount of practice he's gotten and in how many concerts he's played that song compared to Unravel, a relatively newer cover. Personally, I think My Dearest is a lot more fluid in terms of the technique required --- the scales, arpeggios, and patterns are all quite "conjunctive" (in the runs, the notes are no more than a third away overall; exceptions exist). In this way, it's really quite a Classical/Romantic piece of work. Compare this to Unravel...all the jumps, tremolos, arpeggios, and repeated note patterns...they're all rather "disjunctive" (in the passage, the notes are fourths or more apart.) It's not as fluid or easy to execute. You experience this firsthand if you play piano --- you know basic scales are easier to play than chordal arpeggios are and those scales are conjunctive while the arpeggios are disjunctive, requiring more hand movement. However, My Dearest is a longer song than Unravel. The longer the song is, 1) the more opportunities there are to make a mistake and 2) the more concentration (and perhaps stamina) is required --- these are factors inherent to performing. Ultimately, based off of these factors, I think Unravel is either matched or slightly harder than My Dearest.

[@fisherdude9456]

Wow thanks so much for your detailed answer, it means a lot especially coming from you and you explained it so musically an technically. I learned My Dearest but i have very little musical knowledge so thank you it makes things a lot clearer. I agree completely with what you said, but i could not have said it any better than you did.

[@legoplexmovies1550]

Is the Chopin-Godowsky Etude the left hand version of Op 10 No 1?

[@ChrisLuan]

Yep! I cannot get over Chopin-Godowsky Etudes. One day, I would like to learn them as well as the original Chopin etudes.

[@BrodieHPianist]

Was it pure chance I asked for the song the day before uploading it or was it only decided after my comment? ;-; this is fucking insane dude... don't really have any words other than repeating the comment made by aniMuffin.

[@ChrisLuan]

It was probably coincidental. I felt like I needed to have an upload before tomorrow, when I move into the college dorms. Welp time to horse around some more, and hopefully I get a decent recording of something, anything lol

[@BrodieHPianist]

i feel that man, it has been ages since my last recording and sometimes i feel like a NEED to get one out, your very talented expect only the best from here on out hahaha no pressure or anything lol

[@asianguy5012]

Holy crap…

[@ChrisLuan]

^ I thought this every time before I did a retake lol

[@asianguy5012]

Chris Luan (阮克理) Will you arrange more animation piano music in the future?

[@ChrisLuan]

Yeah, I have sheets for some VERY BIG covers already finished. They're also works I'm proud of, especially the ones for Madoka and Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso...because I guarantee no one has ever heard or seen anything like them

[@asianguy5012]

Chris Luan (阮克理) Awesome!!!! I'm looking forward to watching and enjoying your musics, especially Shigatsu wa kimi no uso!

[@TheRaxin1246]

If this question is answered it'll be much appreciated, what makes a piece playable by one's skill, how can you tell if its playable for yourself? Do you quit halfway or try to get through with it?

[@ChrisLuan]

I mean a long time ago, I've played a lot of classical pieces that are probably very difficult, like Rachmaninoff piano concertos 2 and 3 and Balakirev Islamey. But if you're talking about my own arrangements, when I test play at the piano, if I think it's too much trouble, then I just change a passage to make it more doable.

[@TheRaxin1246]

+Chris Luan (阮克理) but say there's a arrangement you want to learn, how do you know if it's beyond your skill.level and you need to take on a easier piece? Are you saying change parts of it to make it easier?

[@TheRaxin1246]

+_HAN_MAN_ and also how would you gauge yourself as a player beginner indermediate or advanced BTW I'm self taught

[@ChrisLuan]

I think given sufficient time and practice, anyone should be able to learn any song, classical or not. Hmm, if you're talking about learning a song by someone else, I've never simplified anything before. I played much harder classical songs many years ago than I do now, so I've reached a point where I believe there's nothing beyond my skill level as long as 1) I have the time to dedicate to learning the song and 2) someone else can play it. Criterion (1) is probably a limiting factor because I hardly have the time for anything other than grades, extra-curriculars, research, and soon, MCAT studying. Well, when I was still taking lessons, I guess I passed Level 10 (Advanced) on the Certificate of Merit for Piano (California). If you're self-taught, power to you. I think self-teaching is wonderful but challenging. The key is to learn songs that are moderately challenging for you. If the song is too challenging, you can just experiment with making the passage more doable for yourself.

[@TheRaxin1246]

+Chris Luan (阮克理) thanks man gotta cred the Internet because I pick up everything I need to know from encounters like this reddit so again thanks for actually taking time to reply and help man Much Appreciated

[@andreamodenese97]

Bakemono. You should upload more bro ~

[@ChrisLuan]

I might on the next long weekend. I've just been super busy ever since I became a senior (graduating with my B.S. and applying to med school in June.) ヾ(。￣□￣)ﾂ I've actually finished many arrangements but haven't been able to practice them... To make the wait more bearable, should I just record relaxing improvs when I don't have a song ready for upload?

[@andreamodenese97]

congrats!I think irregularity on youtube makes your growth really slow, trust me I'm a really expert in absences lolololo Maybe you could upload some impovs of anime music if you wanna focus on j-pop/rock :D

[@jacobsmusic4186]

Flow-Animenz-ChrisLuan COLORS etudes... Are you a concert pianist? Your techniques are really good.

[@ChrisLuan]

Haha, I still have a ways to go in terms of techniques. Thanks man. However, I'm hoping I can make my music more accessible to a wider audience and range of musicians. Hopefully my future arrangements won't all be so time-consuming to learn.

[@jacobsmusic4186]

All your arrangements are truly, really difficult to play. The difficulty of this piece is insane. As a fan of Godowsky myself, I really liked your fast crazy runs (like his Op10 No.1 ). I really admire your skills and I think your channel is way too underrated. I like Animenz as well (No doubt, his arrangement skills/techniques are top-notch) , but I'm sure you are equally as good (and maybe even better.) Most people simply do not appreciate or realise how INSANE and DIFFICULT your arrangements are. As a small youtuber - (I only upload occasionally anyway- as i only do quick arrangements - so I don't even post that much XD ), I think you just simply have to post more videos if you want to reach more audience. A completely random question: Can you play any of the Godowsky-Chopin's etudes!?? Since my techniques are no way close to those pieces, I don't think I will ever get to play them :( PS: Don't laugh at my arrangments lol if you do happen to click on my videos. I make a lots of mistakes while playing my own arrangements XD maybe it's cause I spend too little time on each one.

[@ChrisLuan]

Thank you for the super kind words. As a creator, I think it's hard to fairly judge my own work so in depth comments like yours really help shape the direction of my channel and style. I will try my best to make more arrangements this year. I'm hoping to move towards arrangements that are less like Czerny etudes and more like a song for the sake of music that tells a story, conveys a flurry of emotions, or evokes sharp memories. I've actually never learned any of the Godowsky-Chopin or even original Chopin etudes! The only etudes I remember learning off the top of my head are Liszt's Transcendental etudes. If I could learn a song, I would probably start with the "Carousel" in D major from Godowsky-Chopin. The way Godowsky transforms the harmonics is ingenious! Lol, I need to spend more time on my own arrangements too because they're so hard. I guess we both have areas for improvement.

[@jacobsmusic4186]

Wow. I have actually never heard of the piece Carousel" in D major. Maybe I should do some research haha. Speaking to you actually really motivates me to practise my piano... I actually haven't touched any of Chopin's etudes as well haha. I probably won't be able to play the really hard ones like Op10, no2 (Chromatique) or the double third etudes (Op25/no6 I think)... I would really like to see your future arrangements - and your new style :D Thanks for chatting with me via KZbin. I am currently working on a longer project - an Medley/arrangement. When I finish and post it, would you please give me some suggestions and comments if you have some spare time? I will (somehow) find you and inform you when I upload my video (if you don't mind!) Good luck in your next arrangement! Jacob

[@ChrisLuan]

So, I think the original etude from Chopin was Op. 10 No. 10 in Ab major. The Godowsky variant I'm referring to is No. 19 Version 1 in D major. David Stanhope did a great job here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqbRZXybZ82dnKc. Sure, you can just upload a video of your performance.

[@llolichannel]

Any plans on a new upload?

[@ChrisLuan]

We'll see. I'm going to get busier gradually. Though hopefully I get better so I can record Ninelie this weekend. For better or worse, it's a challenge (as always) to upload my arrangements.

[@kotemiy]

Whatever you do, carry on. Your performances are incredible!

[@hiatusxhiatus2887]

Can I use this song pls?

[@ChrisLuan]

If you use it, I'd really appreciate if you credited me in your video/audio project! =3

[@AniMuffinPiano]

I wanted to say something suggestive, but the level is beyond my understanding @@ I only know this sounds good, but don't know why ._______.

[@ChrisLuan]

Thanks, haha

[@scholarsunny5124]

come on!bilibili is better than youtube about the anime piano song upload.

[@ChrisLuan]

Hmm, I've been considering opening accounts on other platforms but out of curiosity, what makes you say that BiliBili is better in that regard? Also, I'd potentially need, among other helpers, someone to write in the target languages (simplified Chinese or whatever else) since I only have full, native proficiency in English.

[@prius6049]

Chris Luan (阮克理) I might be able to do some translations since it is my first language

[@prius6049]

Chris Luan (阮克理) I mean Simplified Chinese

[@scholarsunny5124]

Chris Luan (阮克理) you can enter the english，

[@scholarsunny5124]

Chris Luan (阮克理) but you need to translate some simple chinese. bilibili have many talent piano player.so you can make a conversation with them，also you can use your english. they can relize your language basicly.