Oiseaux tristes

[cobalt_18]

Hi. I've been working on Oiseaux tristes from Ravel's Miroirs and I need some tips on practicing. There's a fast part towards the middle of the piece (m. 17-21) that I need help on getting up to speed and clean. The only thing I've been doing is practicing sowly with a metronome and raising the speed but it still isn't very clean. If you have any ideas, I would love to know. Thanks!

-Alex

[thalberg]

If it's not clean, you may be pressing the keys too hard.  Ravel is different from everyone else.  In those fast sections, think of just barely *touching* the notes.  Also, do the "monkey hand" thing--use your hand like a monkey.  They grab with all their fingers at once working against the thumb.  Some of those chordal fast passages work like that.

Thibaudet plays this one well.

Also, on that opening Bb, flatten out your finger and play it half way up the key.  Makes a nicer sound.