There’s More to Playing the Piano

Chapter 28 - Style

While not strictly a music theory topic, an appreciation of musical style is important for understanding composers and their repertoire. The table opposite necessarily contains some sweeping generalisations, but should provide some insight into musical style and some useful vocabulary to describe music from the various eras. Some of the ideas (counterpoint, terraced dynamics, blue notes) may be new to you. It is worth looking up the meaning of these phrases or, even better, discussing them with your piano teacher. All the characteristics noted here relate to piano music. This is because music exam...

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Chapter 27 - General Knowledge

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Prelude in C-sharp Minor

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/62-prelude-in-c-sharp-minor?bundle_url=online-academy&amp;last_viewed=true">(Op. 3 No. 2)</a></h3>

A series of three videos exploring Rachmaninov’s famous Prelude in C-sharp Minor (Op. 3 No. 2) at the piano, with extensive practice tips to solve the technical issues, pedalling suggestions and thoughts on performance – including how to achieve a big sound effortlessly without banging or harshness.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Ecossaise in E-Flat (No. 4 from Six Ecossaises, WoO 83)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/157-ecossaise-in-e-flat-no-4-from-six-ecossaises-woo-83?bundle_url=online-academy&amp;last_viewed=true">ABRSM Grade 3 – A1</a></h3>

A lively dance in 2/4 time, an ecossaise is actually the French word for “Scottish”! Flexibility in the right hand is necessary to avoid tension, and flexibility in the pulse (while not indicated in the score) is essential to bring grace and elegance at the start, and then some forward... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire

Intermezzo in A Major (Op. 118 No. 2)

<h3> <a href="/content/pages/115-intermezzo-in-a-major-op-118-no-2?bundle_url=online-academy&amp;last_viewed=true">Walkthrough </a></h3>

This collection of videos and accompanying annotated study edition provides a walk-through of one of the most beloved short piano pieces ever written, starting with some background and an introduction to its features followed by a look at aspects including interpretation, texture, pedalling and voicing.... Read >>

Graham Fitch Repertoire