A visit to the old stomping grounds leads to some thoughts on competition and motivation; some insights from playing an 1860s Broadwood piano; a danger of detail-oriented practice; the plan for next week. With bits of all of Op. 10.
Archives for category: 10/2
Articulation and timing in 10/8; plugging away at 10/2 and 10/1; simplifying 25/10 and a theory geek moment; working on 25/8; a milestone in 10/7, organizing a practice session.
A simplified version of 25/8; the begging dog hand position for 25/8 and 10/7; resting points and some hope for 10/2; the left hand as helper in 10/; trying to play 10/8 in tempo (not necessarily at tempo) and with great articulation; organizing a practice session.
Putting play into practice; two silly things I did this week, including putting words to 25/4 (with different versions for different editions); a new approach to 10/1 and 10/2.
The very first listener question, the answer to which involves babbling about harmonies in 25/1 in possibly excruciating detail. The importance of mapping and landmarks, and a cautionary tale. This week’s practice strategies for 10/2, 25/4, and 25/7. Also: a rule about performing and caffeine.
An attempt at 10/2; the left hand of 25/4; some thoughts from the MTNA conference (including how Menahem Pressler talks about legato); how to practice an orchestral part.
Chopin 25/6 goes on the shelf; a weird practice week; the key to 10/6 (maybe); adding a new etude.
10/1, some improv, and the start of 10/2; 10/8, 10/9 and 10/12 with some yelling; getting closer with 10/10 and 10/11.
In which:
A report on an informal house concert; why it’s hard to practice on vacation; last 10/7 before it goes on the shelf for a few weeks; early days in 10/11; the scariest measure in 10/10; beginning 10/8, and finding it strangely familiar.
Recorded March 19, 2011
Play It Again Swig 