5 steps to master "The Happy Farmer" faster

intermediate tutorial Jun 20, 2024
 

1. Embrace the Character of the Farmer: The piece is imbued with the spirit of a farmer returning home, tired yet content from a day's work. This should reflect in your playing - not fast, but brimming with energy. Imagining the farmer's journey can help you find the right tempo and dynamics.

2. Pay Attention to the Left Hand Melody: Unlike many compositions, 'The Happy Farmer' features the melody in the left hand. Achieving a legato touch and ensuring the melody sings through requires careful attention to phrasing and finger strength. Think of the farmer's voice and let it guide your playing.

3. Fingering and Technique: The piece presents opportunities to experiment with fingering, especially in passages where traditional rules might be bent for expressive purposes. Whether it's using the thumb on black keys or sliding between notes, choose the fingering that allows for the most fluid and comfortable play.

4. Balance Between Hands: The right hand, while just accompanying, must...

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The Magic of Debussy's Clair de Lune

intermediate tutorial Jun 13, 2024
 

What's the secret behind the magic of "Clair de Lune" by Debussy, and how can you master it? Discover the enchanting world of one of the most beloved piano compositions ever and unlock the mysteries that make it so captivating. Explore the significance of musical terms like 'con sordina' and 'tempo rubato', and how they shape the piece's sound and emotion.

00:00 Introduction
00:25 The beginning
01:11 Con Sordina
02:28 Tempo Rubato
03:16 Un Poco Mosso
04:19 En Animent
04:49 Calmato
05:14 New harmonies
06:19 Morendo
07:03 Tips for learning

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Mannheim Rocket & other tricks

intermediate tutorial Jan 11, 2024
 

In this educational exploration, we delve into the intriguing world of the Mannheim rocket, a captivating musical technique that has left a significant mark on classical music. This technique, characterized by its fast ascending arpeggio that launches with the force of a rocket, serves as a testament to the innovative spirit of the Mannheim school, a group of 18th-century composers based in the city of Mannheim, Germany. Their experimental approach to music composition laid the groundwork for many of the classical era's greatest achievements.

The Mannheim school is celebrated for its groundbreaking contributions to music, including the development of a new Sonata form and the standardization of the four-part symphony. Among their inventive 'Mannheim tricks,' the Mannheim rocket stands out for its dramatic and energetic ascent in melody, capturing the imagination of both composers and listeners alike. Other notable techniques include the Mannheim birds, with their chirping effect...

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