Welcome to LivingPianos.com! I’m Robert Estrin. When you think of power, what comes to mind? For many pianists, the instinct is to play loudly, often pushing to the limit in order to achieve a sense of strength. But what if I told you that true power comes not from playing loudly all the time but from creating contrast? Let’s take a closer look at how this works, using the third movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata as an example.
The Fire Analogy: Power in Reserve
Imagine you’re watching a fire. If it’s just glowing embers and small flames, you feel the warmth, but there’s no real sense of danger. Now, picture the same fire, but this time, every so often, large flames burst out unexpectedly. That sudden flare gives you a sense of awe—and maybe even a little fear—because you can’t predict how much power is hidden beneath the surface. You have no idea how much energy lies in reserve.
The same principle applies to your piano playing. It’s not about playing loudly all the time. Instead, it’s about creating that same illusion of immense power by playing with contrasts—soft moments followed by loud bursts. When used effectively, this approach can make the loud parts of your playing feel far more impactful.
The Misconception of Playing Loud All the Time
Now, let’s take a look at Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata—specifically the third movement. Many pianists, when tackling this piece, struggle with the dynamics. They try to play everything with the same intensity, pushing themselves to play louder and louder. The result is often a sound that feels labored, and the sense of power is lost in the struggle.
If you take a closer look at the score, you’ll notice that almost everything is marked piano (soft), except for a couple of specific moments. By underplaying the majority of the piece and only letting the louder chords flare out, you can create the same effect as those sudden bursts of flames in a fire. When playing the third movement of the Moonlight Sonata, the key to creating the illusion of power is to lighten up everything except the moments where the loud chords come in. When you do this, the contrast between soft and loud creates a dramatic effect. The loud chords seem to explode—and this is exactly what I want to highlight.
The Secret to Creating the Illusion of Power
This technique isn’t just for the Moonlight Sonata. You can apply it to any piece of music you’re working on. If you’re struggling to achieve a sense of power or dramatic expression, try this:
• Play as softly as possible for the majority of the piece.
• Focus on achieving pianissimo (very soft) in the sections that don’t require volume.
• When it’s time for a louder section, let it truly stand out.
This way, you create a vast range of expression. It’s the difference between playing everything loud (which can wear you out and feel one-dimensional) and saving your energy for the moments when loudness truly counts. This gives the impression that your power is limitless. This technique is what many great pianists use to command attention. Take Horowitz, for instance. He was known for not playing everything loud, but when he did play loudly, it was startling. His playing gave the impression of an enormous power reserve, just waiting to be unleashed. You couldn’t hear it all the time, but when it came, it was breathtaking.
Experiment with Your Own Power
Next time you’re working on a piece, try to experiment with the power of contrast. See what happens when you reduce the volume and focus on playing softer than you normally would. Then, when you reach the louder sections, let them truly shine. With this approach, you’ll find that your playing feels more powerful, more controlled, and far more expressive. The illusion of power is all about reserve—and it can make all the difference in how your music feels to both you and your audience.
Give it a try, and let me know how it works for you. Leave a comment here at LivingPianos.com and YouTube!
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