of the performance of a piano composition, from small volume differences, nuances from
note to note, tone matching, voicing, rubato and pedalling.
Chopin played softly, as many who heard him play attested. This was not because of, or
only because of, his weakness and ill health, but because in a generally soft dynamic
level different nuances are more readily apparent to the ear and a more beautiful sound is
produced.
TOUCH
Touch in piano playing
In piano playing the actual duration of a written note may vary according to the touch
used.
Legato
Legato touch involves a slight overlap in the holding down of each note. This touch is
suitable for producing a cantabile in a melody. It is the most common touch used in
piano playing, and is indicated by a segment of a circle called a slur.
Non-legato
Non-legato touch involves no overlap in the holding down of each note. This touch is
suitable for some scales and passages in baroque and classical works. In early, and some
later, classical works it may be suggested by the absence of a slur. Liszt sometimes
specifically indicates this touch with the phrase ‘non legato’ but whether this is merely a
physiological indication is not entirely clear in the absence of a pedal indication by Liszt.
Staccato
Staccato touch involves the note being detached and, in general, the note is played with
one half of the note value. This touch is indicated by a dot over, or under, the note. In
terms of the duration of a note, touch may be indicated by a note and a rest. Four
crotchets marked with staccato dots would be the same in duration as four quavers
separated by quaver rests.
In determining the actual length of a note or chord marked staccato, and despite what is
said above, one must take into account the tempo and character of the passage. In a slow,
soft, gentle passage the shortening may not be as great as in a faster, more energetic,
passage.
Staccatissimo
Staccatissimo touch involves the note being very detached and, in general, is played with
one quarter of the value. This touch is indicated by a wedge over, or under, the note.