Microsoft Word - Piano Book.docx

(Jacob Rumans) #1

I often find that the humorous, joking aspect of music is missing in many performances,
even in those of accomplished artists.


Chapter 8 – Seeing the Big Picture


Often it helps to know at which point in the composer’s life a particular work was written.


Chapter 9 – Technique of the Soul


When working on a musical composition, one must do more than define the character of
a certain passage. One has to determine whether a new mood develops from the previous
one or negates it. Perhaps the mood functions as a diversion, an emotional aside within
the general narrative of the composition.


In compositions with complex emotional content, like the late Beethoven sonatas, the
transitional passages are often the most important.


The composer works within his own style, but the performer must be a chameleon,
adopting his delivery of the musical material to the style of the music he plays.


Chapter 10 – At the Performance (and prior to it)


The pianist should work relentlessly during practice sessions to expunge wrong notes.
But at performances (including trial performances and run-throughs for oneself) the
pianist should let himself go, deal with musical tasks, and not become paranoid about
every missed note.


Real individuality will always be noticeable without trying to do do something unusual.


We do not work piano, mime piano, or suffer through piano. We “play” piano.


A “perfect” performance is impossible.


Any occasion for playing in front of an audience is important to make sure that your
artistic soul will not feel “out” of practice.


Neuhaus: “Talent is passion plus intellect”.


There are different personalities and different types of artists. More extroverted
performers communicate by bringing the music to the listeners, while others draw the
listener towards the music, as if into a magic circle. Whatever the approach, interaction
with the audience is a crucial part of any public performance.


The phrase “memory slips” is a misnomer, because the problem is usually not with
memory but with concentration.

Free download pdf