Spread Chords

General Suggestions for Spreads in Baroque Music

To summarise the main points in this article, here are a few pointers: The speed of the spread reflects mood, tempo and character. The spread can be evenly paced, or include accelerando/ritardando shapings. Hold onto the notes of the arpeggio after you have played them, except for any passing notes or graces. Acciaccaturas need to be released immediately. Most spreads in the Baroque should start on the beat. In the slower ones this is more important; the fast the spread, the less noticeable it is whether it comes on or before the beat. Is the spread rhythmically shaped...

Sign in to view if you have purchased access to this content or see purchase options below.

Purchase options

Get full access to this content in addition to our growing library of over 1000 articles, videos and other resources for as little as £13.99 per month or £119.99 a year. Click here to sign-up or click here to find-out more.

PREV

Examples from the Repertoire (4)

View next...

A Guide to the Trinity College Piano Syllabus (2018 - 2020)

This series features video demonstrations of a selection of pieces from Trinity College London’s 2018 - 2020 piano examination syllabus, with examples from each grade from Initial to 8. You will find plenty of tips for practice, as well as suggestions for piano teachers, and guidance on matters relating to... Read >>

Graham Fitch Performing

A Guide to the ABRSM Syllabus (2023 - 2024)

This series provides a detailed guide to the ABRSM piano examination syllabus for 2023 - 2024, including video walk-throughs with practice suggestions, tips on style and interpretation and other ideas for a selection of pieces (from initial to Grade 8).... Read >>

Graham Fitch Performing

How to Improvise

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/189-how-to-improvise?bundle_url=online-academy&amp;last_viewed=true">A step-by-step guide to improvisation for classical pianists</a></h3>

Do you know your chords and scales but struggle to think of anything to play when faced with a piano with no sheet music? In these videos, Dave Hall provides a step-by-step guide to improvisation for classical pianists with activities for ear training, fundamental theory and most importantly, ideas to... Read >>

David Hall Performing