Hi guys! Don't miss the free resources from the Description Box above: my ebook "A New Perspective on Piano Phrasing" - and the 7 video episodes from the "Piano Myths" series. Enjoy! ;)
I don’t see death, I saw desertion. I felt I was trying to resolve a lost love. I felt pain, anguish. In the middle I felt anger at being discarded, my love betrayed. In the end anger recedes and is replaced with miserable acceptance of this loss. Love, never to be felt again, alone. If you don’t cry when play this you don’t have it yet.
As you discuss the Cmaj in the final few bars, I see it as a moment or reconciliation. Acceptance that this is indeed in fact a life ended but well lived. Thank you for your generosity in preparing and posting this wonderful lesson. I’ve learned a lot.
This was so helpful, thank you! This history that lead to the emotion and then to the technics was lovely. I kindly request Beethoven’s Fur Elise for a future video.
Wow. Thank you so much. What a beautiful introduction and exposition. I feel refreshed if that makes any sense. I'm hoping to buy my first piano soon and you have spurred me on.
Hi! Thank you for your appreciation! 😊 No, I don't have tutorials focused on all Chopin Preludes. At PianoCareerAcademy, I re-create the professional piano curriculum, which includes pieces of all genres, styles and eras. In real life, a professional student never plays all the Preludes - instead, their program is diverse and well-rounded, developing all their skills. Since 2012 (when I launched PCA), I have created almost 1000 detailed lessons for all levels (including step-by-step Courses). Our rich library is organized according to topics and levels - and I make sure that all major styles, composers, techniques and expressive effects are covered (as opposed to focusing on one composer or album). You can learn more about our program by taking a look at our detailed FAQ page: www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs Our full list of tutorials is publicly available here: www.pianocareer.com/holistic-piano-playing/piano-career-academy-tutorials/
Thank you! 😊 I play the Prelude without the soft pedal (as the timbral change is not needed here). If I remember correctly, I talk about pedaling in the tutorial above 😉.
@@pianocareer thanks a lot for your reply. Does the soft pedal in an upright changes the timbre of the piano though? I though it only reduces the volume and make the action ‘tighter’. Thanks for your thoughts!
@@Javier-jn6cc The soft pedal changes the timbre AND the intensity of the sound. Because of the timbral change, we only use it when expressively appropriate, and not each time we need to play softly 😊. For example, we can use it more in playing Debussy (where diffuse, distant and/or muffled sound colors are more appropriate), as compared to Chopin (where even 'pianissimo' needs to be singing and expressive). Luckily, it's not hard to play very softly without the 'una corda', when the 'diffuse' timbre is not needed. I have detailed tutorials on this topic on PianoCareerAcademy - and even a couple of free pedaling tutorials here on RUclips 😉.
I wanted to ask, as I've seen a video by Seymour Bernstein on this piece where he advocates resting hands on the keys and using the upper arm as the pivot to play the first note, what are your feelings on this? I notice that you seem to press the key a little more in comparison. Are there any pros and cons? Thanks Barry
Hi Barry! Music is a flexible art, and no two pianists can play a piece exactly the same. Good musicians always start with the expressive WHY - not with a separate technique. The movement is chosen according to HOW we wish a note, motif or phrase to sound. Both Seymour Bernstein and I use techniques that allow us to bring out our expressive visions. Using the upper arm as a pivot is a valid and healthy technique. My approach also allows us to create a beautiful, rich, singing tone - and bring out all the tasks encoded in this Prelude. Still, don't forget that Seymour Bernstein and I come from different backgrounds. I am Russian-trained (not to be confused with 'Russia' as a country) - while his education is mostly Western (even though one of his teachers was Russian-trained as well). As a result, our approach to technique and sound production is quite different as well. Most Western-trained pianists play with smaller gestures, closer to the keys, and their touch is a bit 'direct' (resulting in a sharper sound). The Russian method is based on whole-arm action, weighted playing and ample, fluid, free movements. As a student, you have to choose an approach that makes more sense to you (and also feels good in your body and doesn't cause tension/injuries). Also, keep in mind that everything should be understood in context. Simply imitating one movement (without being properly trained in the technique used by the pianist you're learning from) will not really get you anywhere. To master a specific technique, you need to learn it properly, in a step-by-step manner. With whole-arm action, this is crucial 😊.
@@pianocareer wow...I am incredibly blown away by the detail of your reply. Thank you ever so much for giving me more information on this technical detail. One thing that I absolutely love in the video is the fact that we are made to feel that it is okay for this to not be played that well the first time through of learning it, because when we revisit it with more developed skills we'll do a lot better. It gave me a lot of comfort that if a Russian-trained pianist says that's okay, then it's okay. It's so hard to play the piece without sounding a little bit like a caveman at the moment 😂
23:42 I’m really struggling on the transitions here from the lower base B notes to the high chord and immediately what follows it. I’ve been working on it for a few days now but still struggling to play it smoothly. I so want to get this right so I can work on the phrasing, voicing, and other dynamics.
Yes, this is the core technical difficulty from this Prelude - but if you use the 'magnifying glass' method correctly (and work on each connection separately first), you will inevitably conquer it in several days 😉. Of course, this will only work if the piece is suitable for your level. I have detailed tutorials on efficient practice (and the 'magnifying glass' approach) on PianoCareerAcademy.com.
If you follow my step-by-step practice recommendations from the video, also using the relaxed whole-arm technique I teach in all my lessons, tension will go away and never return 😊.
@@pianocareer Thank you. Actually after watching you, I tried to copy you and I noticed that I am able to play more relaxed now those repeated left hand chords compared to before. I still have to make relaxation a habit though. I will continue to observe my self. Thanks for all your efforts in sharing your knowledge to us! May God bless you more and more! 🙂
Would you mind clarifying the following? Upright pianos DO NOT have double escapement, only grand pianos do. I guess you’re referring more to the technique than to the actual mechanism of the piano? Thanks.
Hi! I'm not a piano technician and I can't go into details - but most modern upright pianos do have double escapement 😊. Of course, it's not as good (or reliable) as the one in grand pianos, and sometimes it needs to be calibrated in order to work at all. My Yamaha upright has a bit of double escapement (which you can hear in the video above) - and I supplement it with the right technique and pedaling to create the needed effect.
October 25th., 2022 Piano Career Academy Respected and Dear Piano Teacher: Miss "Ilinca Vartic". Receive you a great greeting. from this young old man of 73 years old, who I like very much to study Piano, and where I have seen some of your magnificent videos with different lessons to learn and analyse the musical scores of the great composers of classical music. A few days ago..., I was learning a lot about the musical score of "FANTAISIE IMPROMPTU" by "Frederic CHOPIN"; but I have only been able to appreciate, see and learn up to the 2nd part. I would like to know...if it would be possible for you to premiere the 3rd part, entitled "Moderato Cantabile", when you can! In my special case, I am not able to register and pay the monthly fee, because I am a retired person, and I barely live on a monthly government check for social security! Dear acclaimed Professor: "Ilinca Vartic"; I wish you many congratulations, and thank you very much for your Piano lessons that I can see on the Internet. Who appreciates and admires you: Mr. "Hannibal Selas" (Mr.)
Thank you very much for your appreciation, Hannibal! I'm happy that you enjoyed the first part of my tutorial focused on Chopin's "Fantaisie-Impromptu". The 2nd Part is only available in the Members Area of PianoCareerAcademy.com - and sadly I cannot make exceptions to the way we publish and share our content. Thank you for your understanding - and don't forget that here on RUclips (and also on PianoCareer.com) you can find 50+ FREE detailed tutorials which you can enjoy anytime 😉.
Indeed, bringing out the needed artistic concept in this piece is not easy. Besides its technical benefits, the Prelude is also extremely useful for our sound quality and expressive skills 😎.
@@pianocareer This is why I absolutely hate when people call the E minor prelude an 'easy' piece of music. It is absolutely not easy. The touch is difficult to get right without sounding like a caveman.
@@AllThisOverASliceOfGabagool Absolutely! Also, besides creating a beautiful tone, we need to bring out a wide range of expressive tasks: sound balance, dynamics, phrasing, articulation, pulsation, rubato, artistic concept and characters... Learning how to play Chopin WELL is a never-ending journey 😎😇.
While I certainly appreciate the tutorial, it would be much easier to follow if the music score was highlighted as the music progressed. Often, it's not clear where you are in the score. Thank you however for the tutorial.
Thank you for the suggestion! I started to work online in 2010 - and since then I created almost 1000 tutorials (most of them available on PCA). I do most of the editing on my own, so sadly I don't have the time or possibility to add extra features (such as score highlights). Even adding the score to the screen in the first place takes hours or work (for each video) 😅. Because one person can't do it all, I focus my time on what makes our program unique - which is holistic professional-level information. Little details like score highlights can be fun, but they are not actually important for learning what I teach and making great progress. Maybe I will add them in the future 😇.
Hi! I'm not a piano technician and I can't go into details - but most modern upright pianos do have double escapement . Of course, it's not as good (or reliable) as the one in grand pianos, and sometimes it needs to be calibrated in order to work at all. My Yamaha upright has a bit of double escapement (which you can hear in the video above) - and I supplement it with the right technique and pedaling to create the needed effect.
Fantastic sharing, this piece was sometimes mistaken for an easy entry, but it truly requires perfect phrasing, voicing and control to express well.. Your detailed tutorial is so appreciated
Well, I hope that after watching my tutorial you will change your mind 😇. Even if you don't, there are plenty of other Chopin masterpieces you can enjoy and benefit from 😉. Regarding chords - yes, this Prelude offers us a wonderful harmony lesson, and we also have a fascinating polyphonic hidden layer (which I talk about in the tutorial).
@@pianocareer I'm sorry, "don't like" was wrong word... it's not my favorite piece of chopin. I mean, I really in love with chopin and I also love your tutorials especially the one for practice scales😊
![How to Play Chopin | Prelude in E minor Op.28 No.4 [Tutorial]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/802vf4bcDLA/mqdefault.jpg)
![[4K] Watch SpaceX Catch A Starship Rocket From Space!!! #IFT5](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pIKI7y3DTXk/mqdefault.jpg)
Hi guys! Don't miss the free resources from the Description Box above: my ebook "A New Perspective on Piano Phrasing" - and the 7 video episodes from the "Piano Myths" series. Enjoy! ;)
Thanks so much for your detailed explanation. This inspires me to play the music with meaningful interpretation.
You're very welcome! Enjoy your practice! 🥰
I don’t see death, I saw desertion. I felt I was trying to resolve a lost love. I felt pain, anguish. In the middle I felt anger at being discarded, my love betrayed. In the end anger recedes and is replaced with miserable acceptance of this loss. Love, never to be felt again, alone. If you don’t cry when play this you don’t have it yet.
This is a beautiful vision for this piece - thank you for sharing!
So glad to see a new video from you! I hope you are safe and that you are well. Beautiful lesson....thank you.
Thank you, Tom! I'm really happy you enjoyed this video! 😊
Thank you, Ilinca. I gained insight into the harmonic, chordal structure of this piece.
My pleasure, Richard! 😊
Fantastic instructions! Thank you!
You are so welcome! :)
As you discuss the Cmaj in the final few bars, I see it as a moment or reconciliation. Acceptance that this is indeed in fact a life ended but well lived.
Thank you for your generosity in preparing and posting this wonderful lesson. I’ve learned a lot.
Thank you! I'm really happy that this video was useful and interesting! 😊
This was so helpful, thank you! This history that lead to the emotion and then to the technics was lovely. I kindly request Beethoven’s Fur Elise for a future video.
You're very welcome! Fur Elise is on my long to-do list, I'll definitely record a tutorial about it! 😊
So nice to see you again! 😊You’re advice and tips continue to help me in my own playing and teaching. Thank you for everything you offer. 🎶💙
My pleasure, Dylan! So happy you enjoyed this video! 😊
@@pianocareer I've shared it with my students too. ☺Thank you once again!
Wow. Thank you so much. What a beautiful introduction and exposition. I feel refreshed if that makes any sense.
I'm hoping to buy my first piano soon and you have spurred me on.
Thank you - and good luck with buying the piano! You are always welcome to join PianoCareerAcademy and follow our step-by-step Beginner Course! 🎹😊
Simple and beautiful!
Thank you so much! 😊
Do you offer instruction for every single Chopin prelude? Your comments and observations are quite fascinating.
Hi! Thank you for your appreciation! 😊 No, I don't have tutorials focused on all Chopin Preludes. At PianoCareerAcademy, I re-create the professional piano curriculum, which includes pieces of all genres, styles and eras. In real life, a professional student never plays all the Preludes - instead, their program is diverse and well-rounded, developing all their skills. Since 2012 (when I launched PCA), I have created almost 1000 detailed lessons for all levels (including step-by-step Courses). Our rich library is organized according to topics and levels - and I make sure that all major styles, composers, techniques and expressive effects are covered (as opposed to focusing on one composer or album). You can learn more about our program by taking a look at our detailed FAQ page: www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs Our full list of tutorials is publicly available here: www.pianocareer.com/holistic-piano-playing/piano-career-academy-tutorials/
excellent tips for me to overcome the struggle to achieve a "lightness" in the left hand. thank you so much
You are very welcome! Happy to help! 🥰
@@pianocareer I have a simple request, may I know the model of the piano you are playing? It looks similar to the piano i used
@蝉貂 You will find a detailed reply to this question in our FAQs [ www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs ] - answer No. H2 😇.
@@pianocareer that is exactly the same model that I practise a lot
wonderful tutorial! Thank you :)
My pleasure, Oriana! ;) I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
Beautiful performance! Just a question- on your upright, are you pressing the soft pedal while playing it?
Thank you! 😊 I play the Prelude without the soft pedal (as the timbral change is not needed here). If I remember correctly, I talk about pedaling in the tutorial above 😉.
@@pianocareer thanks a lot for your reply. Does the soft pedal in an upright changes the timbre of the piano though? I though it only reduces the volume and make the action ‘tighter’. Thanks for your thoughts!
@@Javier-jn6cc The soft pedal changes the timbre AND the intensity of the sound. Because of the timbral change, we only use it when expressively appropriate, and not each time we need to play softly 😊. For example, we can use it more in playing Debussy (where diffuse, distant and/or muffled sound colors are more appropriate), as compared to Chopin (where even 'pianissimo' needs to be singing and expressive). Luckily, it's not hard to play very softly without the 'una corda', when the 'diffuse' timbre is not needed. I have detailed tutorials on this topic on PianoCareerAcademy - and even a couple of free pedaling tutorials here on RUclips 😉.
I wanted to ask, as I've seen a video by Seymour Bernstein on this piece where he advocates resting hands on the keys and using the upper arm as the pivot to play the first note, what are your feelings on this? I notice that you seem to press the key a little more in comparison. Are there any pros and cons?
Thanks
Barry
Hi Barry! Music is a flexible art, and no two pianists can play a piece exactly the same. Good musicians always start with the expressive WHY - not with a separate technique. The movement is chosen according to HOW we wish a note, motif or phrase to sound. Both Seymour Bernstein and I use techniques that allow us to bring out our expressive visions. Using the upper arm as a pivot is a valid and healthy technique. My approach also allows us to create a beautiful, rich, singing tone - and bring out all the tasks encoded in this Prelude.
Still, don't forget that Seymour Bernstein and I come from different backgrounds. I am Russian-trained (not to be confused with 'Russia' as a country) - while his education is mostly Western (even though one of his teachers was Russian-trained as well). As a result, our approach to technique and sound production is quite different as well. Most Western-trained pianists play with smaller gestures, closer to the keys, and their touch is a bit 'direct' (resulting in a sharper sound). The Russian method is based on whole-arm action, weighted playing and ample, fluid, free movements. As a student, you have to choose an approach that makes more sense to you (and also feels good in your body and doesn't cause tension/injuries).
Also, keep in mind that everything should be understood in context. Simply imitating one movement (without being properly trained in the technique used by the pianist you're learning from) will not really get you anywhere. To master a specific technique, you need to learn it properly, in a step-by-step manner. With whole-arm action, this is crucial 😊.
@@pianocareer wow...I am incredibly blown away by the detail of your reply. Thank you ever so much for giving me more information on this technical detail.
One thing that I absolutely love in the video is the fact that we are made to feel that it is okay for this to not be played that well the first time through of learning it, because when we revisit it with more developed skills we'll do a lot better. It gave me a lot of comfort that if a Russian-trained pianist says that's okay, then it's okay.
It's so hard to play the piece without sounding a little bit like a caveman at the moment 😂
23:42 I’m really struggling on the transitions here from the lower base B notes to the high chord and immediately what follows it. I’ve been working on it for a few days now but still struggling to play it smoothly. I so want to get this right so I can work on the phrasing, voicing, and other dynamics.
Yes, this is the core technical difficulty from this Prelude - but if you use the 'magnifying glass' method correctly (and work on each connection separately first), you will inevitably conquer it in several days 😉. Of course, this will only work if the piece is suitable for your level. I have detailed tutorials on efficient practice (and the 'magnifying glass' approach) on PianoCareerAcademy.com.
At the moment I am learning this piece and am still struggling with freeing tension in my left hand in doing those repeated chords.
If you follow my step-by-step practice recommendations from the video, also using the relaxed whole-arm technique I teach in all my lessons, tension will go away and never return 😊.
@@pianocareer Thank you. Actually after watching you, I tried to copy you and I noticed that I am able to play more relaxed now those repeated left hand chords compared to before. I still have to make relaxation a habit though. I will continue to observe my self. Thanks for all your efforts in sharing your knowledge to us! May God bless you more and more! 🙂
Would you mind clarifying the following? Upright pianos DO NOT have double escapement, only grand pianos do. I guess you’re referring more to the technique than to the actual mechanism of the piano? Thanks.
Hi! I'm not a piano technician and I can't go into details - but most modern upright pianos do have double escapement 😊. Of course, it's not as good (or reliable) as the one in grand pianos, and sometimes it needs to be calibrated in order to work at all. My Yamaha upright has a bit of double escapement (which you can hear in the video above) - and I supplement it with the right technique and pedaling to create the needed effect.
October 25th., 2022
Piano Career Academy
Respected and Dear Piano Teacher: Miss "Ilinca Vartic".
Receive you a great greeting. from this young old man of 73 years old, who I like very much to study Piano, and where I have seen some of your magnificent videos with different lessons to learn and analyse the musical scores of the great composers of classical music.
A few days ago..., I was learning a lot about the musical score of "FANTAISIE IMPROMPTU" by "Frederic CHOPIN"; but I have only been able to appreciate, see and learn up to the 2nd part.
I would like to know...if it would be possible for you to premiere the 3rd part, entitled "Moderato Cantabile", when you can! In my special case, I am not able to register and pay the monthly fee, because I am a retired person, and I barely live on a monthly government check for social security!
Dear acclaimed Professor: "Ilinca Vartic"; I wish you many congratulations, and thank you very much for your Piano lessons that I can see on the Internet.
Who appreciates and admires you: Mr. "Hannibal Selas" (Mr.)
Thank you very much for your appreciation, Hannibal! I'm happy that you enjoyed the first part of my tutorial focused on Chopin's "Fantaisie-Impromptu". The 2nd Part is only available in the Members Area of PianoCareerAcademy.com - and sadly I cannot make exceptions to the way we publish and share our content. Thank you for your understanding - and don't forget that here on RUclips (and also on PianoCareer.com) you can find 50+ FREE detailed tutorials which you can enjoy anytime 😉.
It is hard to play sad melody , but technically there is a benfit to train on it
Indeed, bringing out the needed artistic concept in this piece is not easy. Besides its technical benefits, the Prelude is also extremely useful for our sound quality and expressive skills 😎.
@@pianocareer This is why I absolutely hate when people call the E minor prelude an 'easy' piece of music. It is absolutely not easy. The touch is difficult to get right without sounding like a caveman.
@@AllThisOverASliceOfGabagool Absolutely! Also, besides creating a beautiful tone, we need to bring out a wide range of expressive tasks: sound balance, dynamics, phrasing, articulation, pulsation, rubato, artistic concept and characters... Learning how to play Chopin WELL is a never-ending journey 😎😇.
While I certainly appreciate the tutorial, it would be much easier to follow if the music score was highlighted as the music progressed. Often, it's not clear where you are in the score. Thank you however for the tutorial.
Thank you for the suggestion! I started to work online in 2010 - and since then I created almost 1000 tutorials (most of them available on PCA). I do most of the editing on my own, so sadly I don't have the time or possibility to add extra features (such as score highlights). Even adding the score to the screen in the first place takes hours or work (for each video) 😅. Because one person can't do it all, I focus my time on what makes our program unique - which is holistic professional-level information. Little details like score highlights can be fun, but they are not actually important for learning what I teach and making great progress. Maybe I will add them in the future 😇.
@rjg999 IMHO, if you practice this piece many times you will know exactly where she is. It is after all a pretty short piece 😊
@@michelledatey Exactly 😇.
@@michelledatey Indeed. if this was a tutorial on Vingt Regards Sur l'enfant Jesus, I'd understand the feedback a bit more 🤣
I didn't think that double escapement was possible on an upright.
Hi! I'm not a piano technician and I can't go into details - but most modern upright pianos do have double escapement . Of course, it's not as good (or reliable) as the one in grand pianos, and sometimes it needs to be calibrated in order to work at all. My Yamaha upright has a bit of double escapement (which you can hear in the video above) - and I supplement it with the right technique and pedaling to create the needed effect.
Fantastic sharing, this piece was sometimes mistaken for an easy entry, but it truly requires perfect phrasing, voicing and control to express well.. Your detailed tutorial is so appreciated
Thank you so much! Indeed, this piece hides many treasures behind its apparent simplicity 😇.
Que rica
?????
I dont really like this prelude... bit it looks like a good practice of chords😊
Well, I hope that after watching my tutorial you will change your mind 😇. Even if you don't, there are plenty of other Chopin masterpieces you can enjoy and benefit from 😉. Regarding chords - yes, this Prelude offers us a wonderful harmony lesson, and we also have a fascinating polyphonic hidden layer (which I talk about in the tutorial).
@@pianocareer I'm sorry, "don't like" was wrong word... it's not my favorite piece of chopin. I mean, I really in love with chopin and I also love your tutorials especially the one for practice scales😊
@@wedemeyerr No worries! 😊 I'm happy to hear you enjoy my scale tutorials! 😎