Cerebral Palsy and Octaves--Help?

[moltoagitato]

Hello, all.  I'm not exactly new here (since I lurk so much), but this is my first post under a new account.

I have CP which affects the right side of my body, from my toes up to my head.  While I don't usually spasm that much or anything (unless I get nervous when performing in recitals), I'm having a problem playing a Scarlatti sonata.

I'm working on the sonata K.54/L.241 in A minor (Allegro).  Around the bottom of the second page, there is a theme played in octaves which alternates between the left and right hands.  I have no problems when playing the left-hand octaves.  If I hold onto my left wrist with my right hand as I play, I don't feel any tension.  I can move my left wrist freely while playing.  My left hand never gets tired.  However, my right hand behaves in a completely different manner.  It is always tense once I start playing the octaves, since the CP *seems* to never let it calm down.  I have noticed this same problem during fast scale passages and the like.  Even at an extremely slow pace (dotted quarter = ~56), I still feel tense on the right side.

Is there any way to restore some suppleness or some technique that would allow me to play these octaves without getting tired or injured?

Yes, I have considered botulism toxin (botox) injections after reading What Every Pianist Should Know About the Body, but I'm not sure if I can go through with that, yet.  Any help?

[nicco]

Check out this, godowskys tips on how to get good octave technique

[pianiststrongbad]

thanks a lot for that article on Godowsky, that was awesome.

[dnephi]

That ought to help, even though I like to think of myself as having invincible octave technique.  :p.  Also should give me more speed and power! .