Welcome to Living Pianos! I’m Robert Estrin, and today we’re diving into a fundamental aspect of piano technique: the art of fingering.
The Core Challenge: 88 Keys, 10 Fingers
One of the most intriguing challenges pianists face is navigating 88 keys with just ten fingers. This brings us to a question from Dana, a follower who asked whether each piece has its own specific technique or if mastering scales, arpeggios, and chords suffices.
Hand Positions and Finger Patterns
If you’ve ever played wind instruments like the saxophone, clarinet, or flute, you know that each note corresponds to a specific fingering, with minimal variations. However, the piano is a different beast. While mastering scales, arpeggios, and chords provides a solid foundation, each new piece introduces unique technical and musical challenges that often boil down to one crucial element: fingering.
The Importance of Fingering
Fingering is the holy grail of piano technique. Observing concert pianists or studying meticulously fingered editions of music can offer invaluable insights. When I encounter a technical hurdle, I often consult multiple editions to explore different fingering suggestions. This approach helps in effectively navigating the 88 keys with our ten fingers.
Beyond Basic Techniques
So, can a basic technique alone enable you to play the piano effectively? Unfortunately, no. Even with a well-developed toolkit of scales, arpeggios, and other techniques, each piece presents its own set of challenges. For instance, as a French horn player, I found that while standard fingerings suffice for most notes, certain passages benefit from alternative fingerings to facilitate speed and ease. However, this is a relatively small challenge of playing the French horn. However, on the piano, mastering fingering in any piece is the most essential aspect of being able to play the piece on a high level, even if you have a solid grasp of fundamental techniques.
Conclusion
In essence, while foundational techniques are vital, the key to effective piano playing lies in mastering the specific fingering required for each piece. This approach allows you to tackle the unique challenges that every composition presents.
Thank you for joining me here at Living Pianos. I’m Robert Estrin, and I look forward to our next musical exploration together.
For more engaging discussions on all things piano, visit LivingPianos.com.For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin
Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com
A viewer from the UK, Max, posed an intriguing question: Who are the three greatest living pianists? At first, I scoffed at the idea of narrowing down all the world’s extraordinary pianists to just three. Then I had a brainstorm and came up with criteria I think you’ll find fascinating.
For this list, I limited the focus to living classical concert pianists, even though pianists of other genres also deserve recognition. At the end, I reveal the three pianists I chose based on an interesting measure. But first, let’s gain some perspective on this thought-provoking subject.
Celebrating the World’s Greatest Living Pianists
Exploring the world’s greatest living pianists is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. While ranking them definitively is impossible, several pianists have made extraordinary contributions to classical music. Here’s an overview of some of these exceptional artists:
The oldest living student of Sergei Rachmaninoff, Ruth Slenczynska has a career spanning over nine decades. She began performing at the age of 4! Her interpretations of Chopin Etudes, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff are particularly noteworthy. She released her most recent album on Deutsche Grammophon just a couple of years ago—remarkable for someone nearing 100 years of age!
Alfred Brendel was the first modern pianist to record all of Beethoven’s works. His extensive repertoire includes Schubert and Mozart. One of my favorite piano recordings as a child was his performance of Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz.
Known for her spellbinding speed and profound substance, Martha Argerich has captivated audiences worldwide. I remember hearing her at Lincoln Center as a child. My father’s record producer, Alan Silver, marveled at how her speed was imbued with magic, creating a fresh and captivating approach.
Daniel Barenboim excels as both a pianist and conductor. His interpretations of Beethoven and Mozart are admired for their maturity and insight, making him a versatile and respected musician.
Co-winner of the 1962 Tchaikovsky Competition alongside my teacher, John Ogdon, Vladimir Ashkenazy is celebrated for his technical mastery and emotional depth. His repertoire spans from Bach to Rachmaninoff.
Certainly one of the world’s great pianists, Pollini brings precision, clarity, and intellectual depth to his performances, particularly in works by Chopin and Debussy.
Ivo Pogorelich gained fame not by winning, but by losing the Chopin Competition. Martha Argerich, one of the judges, was so incensed when he was not advanced to the next round that she walked out in protest. This dramatic gesture caused a major stir, bringing international attention to Pogorelich and propelling his career to new heights.
Leif Ove Andsnes is known for his refined interpretations and profound understanding of the music he performs.
Evgeny Kissin
Evgeny Kissin’s spellbinding technique and musical depth have secured his position as one of the leading pianists of our time.
Lang Lang
Lang Lang is a global ambassador for classical music. He captivates audiences with his unique interpretations and technical prowess, unafraid to bring a personal voice to his performances.
Known for her technical brilliance and expressive playing, Yuja Wang performed the complete Rachmaninoff works for piano and orchestra at Carnegie Hall—an extraordinary achievement!
Khatia Buniatishvili’s passionate performances and remarkable speed bring a distinctive voice to her interpretations. Her Mephisto Waltz is a must-listen—it will make other renditions seem slow by comparison!
Blind since birth, Nobuyuki Tsujii delivers impeccable performances, showcasing extraordinary talent and determination. His story is beautifully captured in the documentary A Surprise in Texas.
And Now: The Final 3 Greatest Pianists!
For my final three choices, I selected the youngest pianists on this incredible level, offering the promise of decades of artistic growth and contribution:
Daniil Trifonov’s technical brilliance and deep musicality have quickly established him as a leading pianist of his generation. His live performance of the complete Liszt Transcendental Etudes is astounding.
As the youngest winner of the Cliburn Competition, Yunchan Lim’s recordings of Chopin Etudes and Liszt demonstrate an exceptional level of talent. At just 20 years old, his playing is on par with the greatest pianists in the world.
Conclusion
This list highlights just a selection of the extraordinary pianists enriching the classical music world today. The final three represent the future of piano artistry, offering years of musical exploration ahead. Each pianist on this list brings a unique voice and interpretation, contributing to the rich tapestry of classical music.
For more insights into the world of pianos and pianists, visit LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Resource.
In this video, we uncover three peculiar design differences between Asian and American pianos that might just leave you scratching your head. From unexpected keyboard heights to puzzling bench sizes, these quirks challenge conventional expectations. Join us as we delve into these intriguing mysteries and seek answers to questions that have baffled pianists worldwide.
Pianos are fascinating instruments, and some design differences can leave even seasoned players scratching their heads. Let’s dive into a few intriguing quirks between Asian and American pianos that might surprise you.
1. Keyboard Height: A Lift in Asian Pianos
Ever struggled to fit your legs comfortably under a piano? Interestingly, Asian pianos often have keyboards set slightly higher off the ground than American models. You’d think there’d be a standard height, right? But no, this variation exists, and the reason remains a bit of a mystery.
2. Bench Heights: The Lowdown
Adding to the puzzle, the benches that come with Asian pianos are generally lower than those paired with American pianos. So, higher keyboards but lower benches—what’s up with that? Considering that people in Asian countries are often of smaller stature compared to Americans and Europeans, this design choice seems counterintuitive.
3. Key Lengths: A Stretchy Situation
Here’s another subtle difference: the keys on Asian pianos are slightly longer than those on American pianos. Pianists with larger hands might find themselves accidentally hitting the fallboard when switching from, say, a Yamaha (an Asian brand) to a Steinway (an American brand). Some older pianos even have shorter keys than the current American standard.
Seeking Your Insights
These quirks—the elevated keyboards, lower benches, and longer keys in Asian pianos—raise some curious questions about piano design standards. Why do these differences exist? If you have any theories or insights, we’d love to hear them! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
At LivingPianos.com, we’re all about exploring the unique aspects of pianos and sharing that journey with you. Thanks for joining us, and we look forward to your input!
—Robert Estrin
For more engaging discussions on all things piano, visit LivingPianos.com.
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin
Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com
When practicing the piano, it’s easy to get hung up on mistakes. However, shifting your focus to corrections can make a significant difference. Instead of dwelling on errors, concentrate on what needs to be done right!
Mindset Matters
Our thoughts have a powerful impact on our actions. If you’re constantly worried about messing up during a performance, that anxiety can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. On the other hand, focusing on playing well and enjoying the music can lead to a more confident and successful performance.
Making Corrections
When you hit a wrong note, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, identify the correct note and understand its place in the piece. This approach helps reinforce the right information and prevents the same mistake from happening again.
Beyond the Piano
This way of thinking isn’t just for music; it applies to everyday life too. By focusing on positive actions and outcomes, you can develop better habits and make more constructive choices. Remember: You believe what you say to yourself, so take care to reinforce what you really want with your self-talk
Wrapping Up
Remember, you have control over your thoughts. It’s one of the only true freedoms you have in life. By concentrating on corrections and positive outcomes, you can improve both your piano playing and your life itself.
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin
Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. We have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com
Own a Piece of History: The Edison Steinway Piano with Authentic Bite Marks
This Black Friday, Living Pianos offers an unparalleled opportunity to acquire the Edison Steinway Piano, a unique instrument bearing the bite marks of Thomas Edison himself. As his hearing declined, Edison would press his teeth into the piano to “hear through my teeth,” experiencing music through vibrations.
Exclusive Experience: Private Concert and Historical Insights
Purchasing this piano grants you more than ownership; it immerses you in a rich narrative of innovation and artistry. Renowned concert pianist Robert Estrin will perform a private concert in your home, showcasing the piano’s exceptional sound. Additionally, Robert Friedman, “The Steinway Hunter,” will share captivating stories about the piano’s history and its journey through time.
Limited-Time Offer: Secure This Rare Instrument Today
This exclusive offer is available for a limited time. To learn more about how you can own this extraordinary piece and arrange for the accompanying experiences, please contact us at Living Pianos. Don’t miss this rare chance to blend history, music, and personal storytelling in your own home.
Effective piano practice hinges on two fundamental pillars: expanding your repertoire and refining your music.
Expanding Your Repertoire
Continually learning new pieces is essential for growth as a pianist. Breaking down music into small sections allows for the absorption of intricate details without feeling overwhelmed. Focusing on short segments with each hand separately, ensuring all nuances are captured and committed to memory, is a productive approach. Combining both hands and gradually connecting these phrases leads to highly effective practice sessions.
Learning new music isn’t just for beginners; even seasoned pianists benefit from this practice. Each new piece broadens musical horizons and enhances technical skills.
Refining Your Music
After learning a piece, refinement is crucial. Regularly revisiting the score, playing slowly and without the pedal, allows for clear hearing of every detail. This practice reinforces memory and ensures accuracy, preventing subtle, unwanted changes that can occur over time.
Practicing without the pedal during this process is important, as it can mask imperfections. Playing without it enables you to hear the music more clearly so you can make necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
Consistently learning new music and diligently refining existing pieces form the foundation of effective piano study. Incorporating technical exercises like scales and arpeggios as well as sight-reading new material is also beneficial. However, focusing on expanding and refining your repertoire leads to significant growth in piano playing.
For premium videos and exclusive content, you can join my Living Pianos Patreon channel! www.Patreon.com/RobertEstrin
Contact me if you are interested in private lessons. I have many resources for you! Robert@LivingPianos.com
