Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto Third Movement grace notes
Hi Everyone,
I'm attempting to learn the third movement of the Tchaikovsky piano concerto but I have a question about the grace notes that appear in the first theme. Are they played on the beat so beat three is like a triplet 16th notes and then an 8th note, or are they played before the beat with the left hand third Eb-Gb or slightly after that third in the left hand so it's almost a triplet for that second half of the second beat? Or is it something different? I feel like I've listened to a bunch of recordings and tried slowing them down but hear something different each time. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
2 replies
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Hello Javier,
I would default to before the beat for Tchaikovsky for grace notes, and here in particular it keeps the playful rhythm more clear. The tempo would make them pretty squished on the beat. I've never played it though but I did listen to a few recordings quickly and they sound before the beat. If you have trouble telling, try to listen for the non-grace note thirds alignment with the beat. That can be easier to confirm with the ear for something so fast =) As to the exact timing, that is up to the performer but the recordings I listened to sound more like 32nd notes after the LH eighth is played. I think your other considerations could work though depending on how fast you yourself are playing it but they do seem intended to be quick and light without disrupting the meter.
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Thanks so much for you reply! I had thought of trying to listen to the third beat to see if it was "and-a-three" before the beat or "three-ee-and aahh" after the beat but I feel like i kept hearing it differently so your sanity check is appreciated!
I had kept trying to find some reference as to how they are played but couldnt find anything online and dont know anyone personally who plays the piece.
Thanks!