Four-Note Slurs (4.5)

• In the left hand, play an ascending four-note slur on fingers 5-4-3-2, starting on the C below middle C.
• Notice the position of the wrist when playing the 4th finger. It is slightly higher and closer to the fallboard in this “over and in" gesture.
• Practise playing two successive four-note slurs and pause to evaluate for released fingers, good alignment, and a quiet hand–including allowing the thumb to be off the surface of the keys when that is best for your alignment.
• Switch to the right hand and play a four-note slur starting on middle C with fingers 1-2-3-4.
• Release fingers when each successive note sounds and maintain a quiet hand.
• Notice the arc that is traced by the wrist’s movement; it is an “under" motion.
• Amplify your understanding of this gesture by practising four-note slurs, mirrored, in contrary motion, simultaneously.
• Notice that the adjustments in the horizontal plane (in and out, toward and away from the fallboard) are much greater in fingering combinations that use the thumb, because of the disparity in length between the thumb and the rest of the fingers.
• With each finger releasing and while maintaining good alignment, you may find it more comfortable for the longer fingers to be closer toward the black keys as you move toward using the thumb, rather than keeping the thumb continuously over the keyboard, which cramps your hand position.
• Counterclockwise (anticlockwise) arcs in the right hand and clockwise arcs in the left hand are essential to maintaining continuous, flowing movement, and are fundamental to three-dimensional technique.
• Play successive pairs of four-note slurs, maintaining alignment of the forearm behind the hand.

• Practise four-note slurs simultaneously hands together, in contrary motion
• Pause to evaluate for all usual elements: good alignment, quiet hand, good supporting arcs (“under and out"/"over and in") and continuous alignment adjustments.

Anna Magdalena's Secret Etude in B Minor by Svein Hundsnes

Exertude No. 78 by Donald Waxman