Week Two: Rachmaninoff's "Strawberry on the Keyboard"
Hello and welcome to the WEEK TWO Main Thread for this challenge! 馃ぉ
Alright everyone - this is the thread where we'll all be posting our daily updates.
Make sure you've read the rules before replying (<- click)
Twice a week between March 20 - March 27 I hope to be reading your daily updates in this very thread right here!
Here is this week's assignment!
One of Rachmaninoff's famous statements about piano playing is that
"One must imagine a ripe strawberry sitting on the key - and you have to push through it!"
in order to create that rich sound so necessary for his music!
What does this mean?
In order to push through the strawberry, you must have a firm yet relaxed finger, but also feeling the depth of the key (not playing too "shallow"). The most important aspect however is that the speed of attack will be consistent, yet perhaps a LITTLE slower than you might normally use. This is one of the secrets to creating a round, warm sound.
100 replies
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This is the first couple pages of the Prelude op. 32 no.5 that have been working on.
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What a dreamy feeling with lovely balance and breath! Can't wait to hear all of it!
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Here is my week 2 update- the whole piece but recorded in sections. Muddled my way through it. I had to memorize most of it as there is a lot going on so very hesitant still in parts. Hopefully I can have a smoother recording by the end of week 3. Definitely a workout for my brain 馃お
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One of the first things I noticed about the piece I am trying to learn (Melodie, Op 3 no 3) is the long phrasing, which must be even more challenging if it were a vocal piece!
As it turned out, Rachmaninoff did compose a vocal piece, not sung with voice nor with words. The cello sings beautifully in this version of Vocalise, Op 34 no 14.
Enjoy!
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But, I'm pretty sure I have read through every single Classical & Romantic Trio, Quartet and Quintet! And performed a bunch of them, too.