- Видео 26
- Просмотров 5 710
PerfectPiano
Добавлен 19 фев 2023
PerfectPiano is a series of videos on individual topics, each around 5 minutes long, they cover all aspects of piano playing from basic technique to interpretation, scales to pedalling and practising techniques to use of rubato. Subscribe to PerfectPiano to receive updates and not miss out on future videos.
Also checkout and subscribe to my RUclips playing channel: JamesV61
Also checkout and subscribe to my RUclips playing channel: JamesV61
25. Concluding Thoughts
Over the past 24 videos in the PerfectPiano series, I’ve tried to set out in simple, bitesize chunks what I learned all those years ago as a student. Clearly, some of the concepts and exercises were easier than others, but I wanted to share what was going through my mind as I began to play again after a 30-year absence. The key message I have been trying to get across is that playing the piano is a job for fingers, supported by your arms, that tension and stiffness are the biggest hindrance to success.
Просмотров: 31
Видео
24. Polyrhythms
Просмотров 674 месяца назад
In this twenty-fourth video in the PerfectPiano series we will be looking at Polyrhythms. A polyrhythm is the simultaneous use of two contrasting sub-beats. They can be used as one-offs, usually for expression, or constantly throughout a piece. The simplest is 3 against 2, where triplets play against quavers, but there are also more complex polyrhythms.
23. Sostenuto Pedal
Просмотров 414 месяца назад
In this twenty-third video in the PerfectPiano series we will be looking at the Sostenuto Pedal. At the Royal Academy of Music a trombonist friend of mine was asked what the middle pedal was for to which he replied, “to separate the other two”?
22. Una Corda Pedal
Просмотров 954 месяца назад
In this twenty-second video in the PerfectPiano series we will be looking at the Una Corda. A useful assistant when colouring, the Una Corda pedal is often termed the ‘quiet’ pedal, although its action is different depending whether you are playing an upright or a grand.
21. Colour
Просмотров 965 месяцев назад
In this twenty-first video in the PerfectPiano series, we will be looking at Colour. While the significant louds and softs are dictated by the composer there are subtleties of how to balance (and thereby colour) each chord. Therefore, when interpreting a piece, don’t just play the chord - imagine how you want it to sound and try to reproduce that.
20. Rubato
Просмотров 725 месяцев назад
In this twentieth video in the PerfectPiano series, we will be looking at Rubato. Coming from the Italian “rubare”, Rubato means to rob. A good thief gets away with the crime because it’s undetected. Similarly, while an interpreter may speed up or slow down slightly to assist the shaping of their music, it should not be obvious to the listener. However, rubato is incredibly powerful. By moving ...
19. Interpretation
Просмотров 746 месяцев назад
In this nineteenth video in the PerfectPiano series, we will be looking at Interpretation. Beethoven is alleged to have said, “To play a wrong note is insignificant, to play without passion is inexcusable.” I see music as a language, a way of sharing our inner-most thoughts, the notes themselves are but the foundation of a performance. The art is in the interpretation, the passion!
18. Phrasing
Просмотров 656 месяцев назад
In this eighteenth video in the PerfectPiano series, we will be looking at Phrasing. If we see music as a language, it’s easy to see why how we choose to phrase becomes important. As when we speak, the wrong inflection or punctuation can give a totally different meaning to the one intended. Remember too that the piano is a member of the percussion family, that means the notes die when held. We ...
17. Rhythm
Просмотров 1287 месяцев назад
In this seventeenth video in the PerfectPiano series, we will be looking at Rhythm. Rhythm lies at the heart of life itself, as pianists, we need to tap into the beats of life because these provide the instants on which to play our notes. Don’t let the notes dictate the beats, unless you mean them to.
16. Reading
Просмотров 3537 месяцев назад
In this sixteenth video in the PerfectPiano series, we will be looking at how to improve our reading. There are two main issues: how to stop looking down at the keys and how to find confidence so as to read without getting 'black note fever'.
15. Practice
Просмотров 1878 месяцев назад
In this fifteenth video in the PerfectPiano series, we will be looking at some Practice tips. When learning a new piece, we are laying down habits, both good and bad. Therefore, approach a new piece slowly, making as few errors as possible.
14. Pedalling
Просмотров 1918 месяцев назад
In this fourteenth video in the PerfectPiano series, we will be looking at Pedalling. Depressing the pedal doesn't only sustain notes, it introduces sympathetic resonance that can 'colour' your playing.
13. Melodic line
Просмотров 2159 месяцев назад
In this thirteenth video in the PerfectPiano series, we will be looking at the melodic line. Getting a piano to ‘sing’ is one of our key aims as pianists. Whether Beethoven’s Pathetique 2nd movement or Schubert’s 3rd Impromptu, getting the little fingers to sing the melodic line is crucial.
12. Weak Fingers
Просмотров 3679 месяцев назад
In this twelfth video in the PerfectPiano series, we will be looking at Weak fingers. We can divide our fingers into two: 2&3 strong, 4&5 weak. Yet, the little fingers in both hands are critical to good piano playing: in the right hand, it is often the little fingers that carry the melody and in the left, the depth and support of the bass. It is crucial then, that both hands have strong, indepe...
When You Wish Upon a Star
Просмотров 1259 месяцев назад
Not necessarily associated with Christmas, but just to thank you all for joining me on my learning curve this past year and to wish all your dreams come true over the Festive Season and in the New Year.... x