Robert Cordivari
October 2026 - Robert Cordivari - Piano Concert
About the Image(s)
Title: Piano concert
Remarks: My wife and I were walking the streets of Vienna a few weeks ago when we passed a church with a sign that read "Candlelight Chopin Piano Concert - 5:00 pm". So we went in and we were the only ones in attendance. We thought the concert would be cancelled but to our surprise the pianist came out and played for us for an hour. It was very special. Unfortunately, I could not photograph the pianist so the best I could do was try to show how intimate the setting was.
ISO: 800
Shutter Speed 1/10
Aperture: F/2.8
Handheld
8 comments posted
Yes you captured the intimacy of the scene. Love the white candles contrasting with the dark piano and background. If allowed to captured the artist … I am positive they would a print of it too. Overall nicely done. Posted: 10/03/2026 18:00:08
HI Robert,
I like the idea behind this image. I spent a long time trying to put words to what I am seeing. First, your post processing including the detail and lighting, as I see it, were both very well done.
The reason for the study time is the number of candles, which to my eye makes for a very busy image virtually eclipsing the piano for my attention. For me the dark piano tends to recede somewhat into the background therefore the multitude of white candles becomes (to my eye) the primary focus of the image. The flares on the wall panels are also, on the one hand, kind of distracting, yet as I see them they also add a sparkle to the image.
Thank you for sharing with us Robert - the intimacy of the concert must have been amazing and intimate. A truly memorable experience for you. Posted: 10/11/2026 17:36:18
I like the idea behind this image. I spent a long time trying to put words to what I am seeing. First, your post processing including the detail and lighting, as I see it, were both very well done.
The reason for the study time is the number of candles, which to my eye makes for a very busy image virtually eclipsing the piano for my attention. For me the dark piano tends to recede somewhat into the background therefore the multitude of white candles becomes (to my eye) the primary focus of the image. The flares on the wall panels are also, on the one hand, kind of distracting, yet as I see them they also add a sparkle to the image.
Thank you for sharing with us Robert - the intimacy of the concert must have been amazing and intimate. A truly memorable experience for you. Posted: 10/11/2026 17:36:18
Yes, there are a lot of candles, and there were actually more of them - I cropped a number of them out. I see where you are coming from. I'll look at Kirsti's suggestion also of vignetting a bit. Thanks for your thoughtful feedback.
Rob
Posted: 10/11/2026 23:26:39
Rob
Posted: 10/11/2026 23:26:39
You are welcome Rob. I think Kirsti did address my concern - I had not thought of a vignette. It works. Posted: 10/12/2026 00:25:10
Hi Robert, I think that the image mediates the special experience beautifully. I wonder if a slight vignette might address to Ed´s concerns? Posted: 10/11/2026 20:28:43
Thanks, Kirsti. Your suggestion is a good one and I will look into it. As I mentioned to Ed in my reply, there were actually more candles and I cropped a number of them out of the photo.
Thanks for your sound suggestion,
Rob
Posted: 10/11/2026 23:28:04
Thanks for your sound suggestion,
Rob
Posted: 10/11/2026 23:28:04
Great story Rob. I like this image, and I think if you had moved to minimize the candles, it would just be another photo of a piano. I like Kirsti's idea of a vignette or a shadow effect to darken the background a little to bring the attention to main subject. Thanks for sharing - I love Chopin, I'll bet that was wonderful. Posted: 10/17/2026 19:20:37
Thank you, Shari. It was a special moment and one I wanted to capture any way I could.
Much appreciated,
Rob
Posted: 10/19/2026 23:03:40
Much appreciated,
Rob
Posted: 10/19/2026 23:03:40