Today I'm diving into this piece. I will try to remember all these great tips. I've had this music for at least 40 years in a large book, passing it by because it looks so intimidating! Well, here goes! I'll let you know if I wimp out or wear my fingers down to nubs.
Playing this piece right now. I have been watching your videos the past few days, it really is great the channel you have here, Duane. Thanks so much for these tips. :)
Good video! I love Rachmaninov's style very much. This prelude is very difficult, because it has dialogue. I mean you should play piano. It's a fantastic, silent march. In the second part we see oriental polyphony. Written pp. This is played by stringed instruments.
Section starting at 3:25. most play it like it's some wedding entrance song, which is also what I hear in this video. But in reality, should be played like a galloping horse at quite a speed and very little pedal. Galloping rhythm is very present in this piece and essentially makes it a much harder piece.
OH MY GOSH!!! This was such AMAZING advice!!! I love your perspective on music/piano! I don’t even play piano (well, sort of, since I’m a music major, although I dream of being a concert pianist). I’m a trumpet player and found this so insightful! The reason I clicked on this video was to find out how fast it should be played (I’m writing a paragraph about it for an assignment), and I ended up listening to the whole video! I also have to say I’ve heard many, many recordings, and I’m only fond of one. Now I am fond of two. I wish you had played the entire piece! Such BEAUTIFUL playing!!
Your tip to include 5th finger in the LH section of un poco meno mosso section has made a huge difference. The semiquavers are flowing beautifully. Thank you.
I didn't realise what an amazing tutorial this is, Duane. Thank you! I'll assume that the 'no crossing over but starting again on the pinky' method is recommended for ALL of the arpeggios in that middle section? any thanks!
I really love this piece but I’m really struggling with my small hands. I can just barely reach an octave. Do you have any tips for pianists with small hands?
Hi Elena, Unfortunately I don't have experience teaching this piece to pianists struggling with small hands. As I'm sure you know, Rachmaninoff had extra large hands (he could cover a 13th on the keyboard). I did, however, come across this interesting blog which talks about small hand size and how to compensate (changing fingerings, leaving out notes, etc...) The comments in the blog are interesting too. arioso7.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/piano-technique-the-big-handlittle-hand-controversy-videos/ Good luck! It's a great piece.
For what it's worth, I think you go with your own natural fingerings - obviously as long as you stick with it from the start - Finger Memory is a very fragile thing and changing it later is very difficult so choose it wisely from the beginning. The best fingering is what suits you to gain fluidity. There are no rules. Your finger joints are unique to you. A relaxed shoulder will help a natural personal way of managing the jumps - there's no magic solution except be note perfect, play from memory and be naturally fluid in body and arms. Pedalling/Staccato should also become a natural process if you listen to your playing. This is the most neglected skill of pianists - You might think you're listening but you're not. It took a renowned professor to show me that many years ago- I was astounded to realise listening was a skill all in itself. And then at the end of the dedicated practise and tips, is the interpretation- and soul cannot be taught its a natural gift. Its not all about playing and jumping the notes as fast as possible.
It's an eight-note pattern that's repeated. 2-5 is the first chord, 3-5-1-3-5-1-3, 5-2 is the second chord. Then 2-5 chord, 3-5-1-3-5-1-3, then chord 2-5.
Hi Duane! Great tips! would you say I was doing the middle section your way, or the finger-crossing way? Thanks - here's the video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oOxfwHSKKhk.html
Great start on this difficult left hand passage. My tip to you is to keep your fingers (as much as possible) parallel to the keys, without twisting. And if you can keep your index finger a little more forward on the keys, instead of pulling back towards yourself, that might help too. But you get kudos for playing with a baby on your lap. Rachmaninoff would be proud!
