Feux d’artifice (Fireworks) is the final piece of Debussy’s second book of Préludes, and the most overtly flashy. Paul Roberts asserts that “virtuoso music should sound and look daring,” and that Feux d’artifice “is audacious in every sense, musically, technically, and theatrically.” Indeed, the music seems to not only depict actual fireworks but also embodies the notion of pianistic fireworks.
In this video lesson, Fred Karpoff demonstrates how to clear the many hurdles of Feux d’artifice with ease, ranging from imaginative retaking of notes to facilitate jumps, arpeggios, and glissandi to producing sparkling sound, clarity, and daring sonic and pedalling effects.
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Winner of the Frances Clark Keyboard Pedagogy Award presented by MTNA, Fred Karpoff has performed as soloist and collaborative pianist on four continents and presents workshops throughout the world. After recovering from a career-threatening injury, his life’s work is realised through guiding teachers and pianists toward more efficient, healthful and expressive playing as the Artistic Producer of Entrada Piano. Fred has served as Professor of Piano at Syracuse University and Visiting Professor at the Eastman School of Music. He holds the DMA from the Peabody Conservatory and is an international Steinway Artist.
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