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CPE Bach - Solfeggietto in C Minor

H220 Wq177:2

The term “solfeggietto” means an exercise, or little study. This much-loved little piece is a study in evenness of tempo and touch, but it is also a study in composition (how a piece of music may be constructed from the simplest of ideas). This series of videos provides an introduction... Read >>

Sergei Rachmaninoff - Prelude in G Major, Op. 32 No. 5

The crystalline G Major Prelude is one of Rachmaninoff’s more accessible works and has justly become a favourite of intermediate and advanced pianists alike. The left hand’s limpid quintuplets set the stage for the sparkling cantabile melody in the upper register with contrasting arabesque figures establishing a wistful atmosphere. In this video lesson on the piece, Fred Karpoff demonstrates how to play it expressively with cantabile voicing, imaginative fingering, good cross-rhythms, well-timed rolls and lush pedalling. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links... Read >>

Chopin - Waltz in D-flat Major ('Minute', Op. 64 No. 1)

The "Minute" Waltz continues to delight audiences and pianists over 175 years since it was composed. The publisher’s title suggested a "small" waltz, not one to be played within one minute. A more interesting story suggests that Chopin was actually inspired by seeing a little dog chase its tail! In any event, the piece endures as a favourite and is highly pianistic. In this video lesson, Fred Karpoff guides you how to play this elegant piece with ease, including the "tail-chasing" figure of the right hand, the lilting waltz rhythms of the left hand and three-dimensional shaping of the running... Read >>

Beethoven - Sonata No. 23 in F minor ('Appassionata')

(Op. 57)

Concert pianist and piano professor Julian Jacobson gives a guided tour of Beethoven's Appassionata Sonata, Op. 57. In this detailed lecture performance, Julian gives insights on style and interpretation with further tips and suggestions for fingering and tackling some of the technical challenges!... Read >>

Bartók - Stamping Dance (from Mikrokosmos, Sz. 107, vol 5)

Sometimes known as Peasant’s Dance, this rustic piece explores changes of tempo and mood. While the composer’s articulation markings need careful consideration, it is not necessary to be too pedantic about the metronome markings (Bartók did not stick to these literally in his own performances). As long as the tempo relationships are preserved, some leeway is permissible. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links Click here to purchase sheet music form the Trinity College online store... Read >>

Burgmüller - 11. La Bergeronnette (The Wagtail) in C Major (from 25 Easy and Progressive Etudes, Op. 100)

La Bergeronnette (The Wagtail) depicts a genus of bird that constantly moves its tail; Burgmüller captures this flickering, fluttering movement by the prevailing rhythmic figure we hear right at the start – two semiquavers and a quaver under a slur. It is important that the first note of the slurred group is lightly stressed, and the last note released without an accent. Make sure to retain this strong-weak emphasis even in the crescendos (from bar 19, and from bar 26), where each three-note group is stronger than the previous one. The leggiero marking invites us to use a light touch... Read >>

Chee-Hwa Tan - The Swing (from Through the Windowpane)

ABRSM Grade 1 – B2

The composer’s indication to soar “as high as your imagination takes you” invites a range of possible tempos from moderate to fast. The player has the opportunity to explore the colours of the different registers – the middle register in the opening, the treble in the second phrase and then down to the bass in the closing phrase. A long pedal marking at the end and a hand crossing in the final bar give the player the feeling of command over a wide range of the piano keyboard. A delightful character piece full of educational as well as artistic value.... Read >>

Schumann - Knight Rupert (Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 12)

This article comes from our series on Quarantine Spots and shows how to use quarantining and other practice tools to approach two challenging spots within the work. Click here to find out more about quarantining and to view other works featured in this manner. Knight Rupert, No. 12 from Schumann’s Album for the Young, Op. 68, is a favourite recital piece for the intermediate player, and great fun to play. The rousing A section contrasts beautifully with the more lyrical B section. Come up with a story line from your imagination, but first do some research on... Read >>

Trad. Irish (arr. Blackwell) - Down by the salley gardens

ABRSM Grade 1 – B3

In the opening of this imaginative arrangement of the traditional Irish tune the left hand holds down three notes silently, allowing sympathetic resonance from the undamped strings. Attention to expressive detail is called for in this piece, which offers the opportunity to cultivate a vocal style of phrasing and shaping in a melodic line. ... Read >>