Burgmuller's Ballade from his Opus 100 Progressive Piano Pieces is often coined "spooks" because of its Halloween-like opener. Composed in 3/8 time, it moves along in ONE, though the performer should not over-emphasize the first beat in each measure. The way the composer slurs and phrases notes suggests another approach. Thinking LONGER lines and phrases… Continue reading Piano Instruction: “Ballade” by Burgmuller– phrase contouring and curves of energy (Videos)
Category: Burgmuller’s Op. 100 Twenty-Five Progressive Pieces
Development of Piano Technique all bundled into one collection
Instead of pumping out Hanon and Czerny exercises to build so-called finger dexterity, try Burgmuller's Op. 100, Twenty-five Progressive Pieces. Here's a sample of the challenges posed by the composer in each of these showcased Romantic era tableaux: Harmony of the Angels: 1) Arpeggios, or broken chord patterns: for smooth execution and curvaceous lines. If… Continue reading Development of Piano Technique all bundled into one collection
Piano Technique: Burgmuller’s Tarentelle, Op. 100-Fueling and shaping fast passages with a dipping, supple wrist (Videos)
Most piano students will have been assigned a Burgmuller selection or two during their formative years of study. And most likely, these would have been snatched from the composer's Twenty-Five Progressive Pieces, Op. 100 that advance by steps in difficulty, though it can be argued that all contain unique technical challenges. Composed in the Romantic… Continue reading Piano Technique: Burgmuller’s Tarentelle, Op. 100-Fueling and shaping fast passages with a dipping, supple wrist (Videos)
Pastorale by Burgmuller in lilting two: Op. 100, 25 Progressive Pieces
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibsna1UDJVU A plaintively beautiful piece, Pastorale requires a lilting "feel" of two beats per measure. A flowing melody permeates the voicing, cushioned in sonorous chords. The challenge is not to upstage the treble line as it unfolds. The phrasing in the right hand responds well to the supple wrist and curves of motion while the… Continue reading Pastorale by Burgmuller in lilting two: Op. 100, 25 Progressive Pieces
Burgmuller’s “The Return”–like a light opera, with interspersed drama (videos)
"The Return" from the composer's Twenty-Five Progressive Pieces, Op. 100, is ear-catching. Like an Offenbach opera replete with an Overture, it delights in a set of lighthearted staccato chords that spill into a passionate MINOR sequenced interlude, setting the heart afire. Extinguished by the revisit of Eb Major punctuations, the music drifts off by authentic… Continue reading Burgmuller’s “The Return”–like a light opera, with interspersed drama (videos)
Burgmuller’s “Tender Flower” for rolling wrist motion (from 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100)
This charming Romantic character piece provides a perfect opportunity to practice the forward rolling wrist motion, especially with its motivic pairs of 8th notes. While the second one under the slur is notated as staccato, it should not be clipped. As an example, think about how a singer would phrase these notes. She certainly wouldn't… Continue reading Burgmuller’s “Tender Flower” for rolling wrist motion (from 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100)
