Being physically fit, bottom line, is always helpful to piano playing. That's why I frequent the gym every day. But I've found specific activities that more directly improve my endurance, and increase forearm and upper arm strength. (specifically my tube stretch routines that I demonstrate on video) The Gravitron is also one of my favorite… Continue reading Physical fitness routines that aid piano playing
Tag: Yeol Eum Son
My Top You Tube Picks for 2013, What are yours?
My note: I've listed links to blogs posted about these performers. PIANO Grigory Sokolov Complete piano recital, Theatre de Champs Elysee (for astounding fusion of technique/lyricism/wide dynamic palette--having everything and anything at his disposal to draw upon from his rich musical repository) http://youtu.be/o7qUMHm3LOI Irina Morozova: Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11,… Continue reading My Top You Tube Picks for 2013, What are yours?
Abby Whiteside and playing beyond the fingers as a point of departure (Videos)
From WIKI: Abby Whiteside (1881–1956) was an influential American piano teacher. She challenged the finger-centric approach of much classical piano teaching and instead advocated a holistic attitude in which the arm and torso are the conductors of a musical image conceived first in the mind and soul. This quote is riveting: "Why spend dull hours… Continue reading Abby Whiteside and playing beyond the fingers as a point of departure (Videos)
Exceptionally beautiful playing on You Tube (Piano)
I stumbled upon Yeol Eum Son performing Gershwin's "Embraceable You," and I had to keep replaying it. Her phrasing, fluidity, nuances, palette of colors, and wide dynamic range all added up to a divinely inspired reading. On a physical level, she had flowing arms, supple wrists and breathed through phrases with rolling crests and varying… Continue reading Exceptionally beautiful playing on You Tube (Piano)
