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What is the Well-Tempered Clavier by J. S. Bach?
Well-tempered Clavier is a two-volume composition of preludes and fugues by J. S. Bach written in all minor and major keys (24 per book). Johann Sebastian Bach composed the first book in 1722 (in Köthen) and the second one in 1742 (Leipzig).
Best Bach Editions of Sheet Music for Piano
The best Bach sheet music editions for piano are Henle G. Verlag and Barenreiter Urtext. They are accurate (Barenreiter has the edge in this regard) and easy to find. Prices vary so shop around.
How to choose best classical piano sheet music editions?
Best Piano Sheet Music Editions How to choose best classical piano sheet music editions? The sheer number of available sheet music editions of classical piano repertoire can be overwhelming. Selecting an inappropriate one can result in: Below is a comparison between four editions of Bach’s Invention No. 1, Bar 1: Differences are dramatic! Urtext vs … Read more
Practicing piano scales – four advanced exercises
Practicing piano scales – four advanced exercises Today’s article expands on the two previous posts regarding technical practice methods (How to practice Hanon Exercises and Improving piano scales) by introducing four advanced exercises for practicing piano scales. The word ‘advanced exercise’ is not used here because only more advanced pianists will be able to benefit … Read more
Improving piano scales – foundations of piano technique
Improving piano scales – foundations of piano technique Today’s article discusses two important aspects of learning piano scales: the technical positioning, and hand and thumb shifts to improve the evenness and speed (over 200bpm with four notes per beat). Please note that technical foundations for scales are a vast topic, and today’s article focuses only … Read more
How to practice Hanon exercises?
Piano technique How to practice Hanon exercises? There is a lot of controversy regarding the application of Hanon exercises. Some of the criticism addresses a rather ‘unmusical’ nature of those exercises and the tedious aspect of mindless repetition often applied to such technical drills. In today’s article, I would like to mention several piano practising … Read more
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Suite op. 5 and 17, Symphonic Dances op. 45 – Alexander Kobrin and Frédéric D’Oria-Nicolas; CD review
Review Article Sergei Rachmaninoff: Suite op. 5 and 17, Symphonic Dances op. 45 – Alexander Kobrin and Frédéric D’Oria-Nicolas; CD review In today’s review, I would like to share with you one of my favourite albums of two-piano music by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Recording made by Alexander Kobrin and Frédéric D’Oria-Nicolas at Arsenal Metz concert hall … Read more
Piano octave exercises for small hands
Piano technique Piano octave exercises for small hands Performing double octaves on the piano is a challenging task, particularly if your hands are small. To help you develop a comfortable and accurate octave technique, I would like to give away two short octave etudes (completely free) in today’s article. All etudes are written with young … Read more
‘Moonlight’ Sonata – meaning and interpretation (Part I)
Interpretation and Artistic Image ‘Moonlight’ Sonata – meaning and interpretation (Part I) The unquestionable beauty and depth of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata No. 14 are two of the many reasons this piece has become one of the most popular classical pieces ever written. This article presents a brief guide to the artistic interpretation of the first … Read more
Piano double octaves – find the best fingering for your hand type
Piano technique Piano double octaves – find the best fingering for your hand type In today’s article, I would like to discuss the traditional fingering for double octaves in piano: using a fourth and fifth finger – and occasionally the third. After many years of practice, I found that for my hands (which are not … Read more
Piano and keyboard buying guide
Review Article Piano and keyboard buying guide This piano buying guide is based on my personal experience as a pianist and a person who bought quite a few instruments over the years. I had the pleasure of using mid-range and expensive electronic keyboards, and I have performed and practiced on various models of Steinways, Yamahas, … Read more
20 Piano Practice Tips for Beginners and Intermediate
20 Piano Practice Tips for Beginners and Intermediate In today’s article, I would like to give away a comprehensive list of piano practice tips for beginner and intermediate students and teachers. If you feel stuck with your current way or practice, or would like to supercharge your learning, you are in the right place! Tip … Read more
What is a metronome?
Beginner’s theory What is a metronome? Metronome definition A metronome is a mechanical or electronic device, or a software app for mobile phones and tablets, that produces ‘clicks’ (short sounds) at regular intervals. Common usage Metronome is commonly used in instrumental practice for establishing a musical tempo. Since its invention, composers have begun indicating an … Read more
How to use metronome for piano practice – 5 (effective) ways to improve your sense of rhythm and tempo control.
How to use metronome for piano practice – 5 (effective) ways to improve your sense of rhythm and tempo control. In today’s article, I would like to focus on five effective metronome piano practice strategies for developing a strong sense of rhythm and tempo control for music students and teachers. What is a metronome? A … Read more
Improving the efficiency of piano practice – ‘spaced repetition’ method
Practising strategies and memorisation Improving the efficiency of piano practice – ‘spaced repetition’ method This article focuses on applying short-term and long-term memory types and the ‘spaced repetition’ approach to improving piano practice efficiency (it also applies to any musical instrument). It describes some of the common approaches to practising – found among beginner students … Read more