Every so often I revisit a composition I’ve previously studied applying a different perspective. In Scarlatti’s A Major Sonata, with its very demanding Allegrissimo tempo marking that makes the crossed hand sections seem impossibly difficult, I decided to parcel out pertinent measures in practice tempo. The goal was to inch up to a faster rendering as compared to my last. For the most part, a few months will pass before I set my mind to upping the tempo of a particularly challenging piece, and it’s because the ripening process has to be factored into all learning journeys. Arthur Rubinstein made it a point to underscore how a piece, mindfully practiced, will ripen in time.
Pianists of all levels eventually come to the realization that a composition patiently learned in layers will have the best chance of blossoming in the long term.
In two of three videos, I fleshed out what physical motions best helped me realize phrase shapes in the Scarlatti sonata so I could ultimately play the composition at the desired Allegrissimo. In exploring the physical aspect of piano playing, I found it best to tie everything together: phrasing, dynamics, and nuance– allowing for experimentation, self-analysis, and fine tuning along the way.
In the third video I raised the tempo.
Part 1: Spring forward wrist motion, and some crossed hand measures (with attention to shaping phrases)
Part 2: Isolating crossed hand measures toward the conclusion of the first section (arc motions)
Raising the Tempo:
What a beautiful piece! I appreciate your attention in the videos to the wrist and hand motions, it’s all too easy when learning a difficult or tricky passage to focus on pressing ith our fingers or isolating the notes and not think of the overarching phrase or motions that can make the musical expression more dynamic and naturally flowing. I am working on a piece right now that could greatly benefit from the spring-forward wrist movement, so the reminder is especially poignant and timely for me.
As always, your instruction is fabulous and much appreciated 🙂
Thanks for your comments. They are very appreciated and I’m glad the ideas have application to your practicing. Shirley K
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful and fabulous piece. Gain lots of ideas and information from your instruction as well as the links provided. Really benefits me so much. Thanks.
Thanks for your kind comments.. I agree that this sonata is very beautiful and exuberant. To think this great composer produced 550 others to marvel at.
I think this is a wonderful example of how to learn a difficult cross-hand passage. Seems like just how my former teacher would have taught me to approach the passage. But I can still use reminders sometimes!
Carolyn, http://pianobycarolyn.wordpress.com
Nice hearing from another piano teacher, and glad to know your are blogging as well. I will check out your site.. Shirley K