Repeating notes.

[g_flat]

Hi everyone. This is mainly a technique question.

I was just looking through a copy of Ravel's Le Tombeau de Couperin and managed to make my way to the Toccata. Attempting to play the repeated notes throughout the entire piece ended up being quite unsuccessful, as one might imagine. Of course it's not so hard at a slow speed, but bring up the pace is what is so difficult. I was wondering if anyone could possibly give me some pointers as to the proper technique for executing these rapidly repeating notes.

[Kassaa]

Relax your arm, otherwise it will be impossible to play them well.

[prestoconfuoco]

change yo fingahz

lyk.... 132 132 132 132

i dun know da piece all dat wel, so I'm not sho if this helpz at all

[Paul Stefan Ort]

Yes, relaxation is important.  It is crucial to use an efficient finger action to execute repeated notes with speed (keep the fingers as close to the keys as you can).

I have found it helpful in pieces with repeated notes (mainly Liszt's second Hungarian Rhapsody and La Campanella), to pick a few beats (or measures) and just work on speed and evenness in the repetition.  It takes a lot of work!

As with difficult patterns, it may help to practice repeated notes in rythms.

For example, try practicing groups of two notes, one long and the other very short.  Then, increase the number of notes.  I have found that groups of four notes work best for me.

I hope this helps...

[nanabush]

132 won't work, except for the starting... when it's the chords then repeated notes 132 works?  That doesn't make sense....or eles ur second finger will be jumping everywhere without a break...

[prestoconfuoco]

132 won't work, except for the starting... when it's the chords then repeated notes 132 works?  That doesn't make sense....or eles ur second finger will be jumping everywhere without a break...

lyk i say i dun reli know da piece

adapt my advice to suit yo needz 

[g_flat]

Strangely enough, the whole relaxation thing isn't that big of a problem for me. What's more difficult for me to execute is making every single repetition so staccato that the next one is able to actually sound out. I'm sure the difficulty of this ranges from piano to piano, depending on the action. I've noticed that it tends to be my thumbs that lags behind on lifting up and causes the next repetition not to sound, although any of my fingers are subject to it. Thanks for the tips though, everyone. You've given me something to think about. I think, with practice, I will get the hang of it.

Any other tips are welcome though.

[thalberg]

I have never played a piece with insanely fast repeated notes.  I've always dreaded it.  How about if I give you sympathy instead of advice? :'(javascript:void(0);

[faulty_damper]

It could be that the action of your piano needs regulation.  If the key is not returning fast enough, the double-escapement may need some work.

Or you just need to condition your fingers to coordinate the repeated notes.

[phillip21]

I also avoid pieces with fast repeating notes, because the action on my Kawai just cannot cope with them.  I am sure that when Liszt wrote 'Gnomenreigen' he had in mind a totally different sort of piano to mine!

Phillip

[Dazzer]

the distance the keys used to travel were shorter in those days i think.

[electrafingers]

I hope this is going to help:
You may think your problem is playing a note short enough to be able to play the next one in time, however working directly on this issue will most likely lead to more frustration. What you actually want is a synchronized action between the fingers and the wrist. Only that would enable fast and even repetitions.
My suggestion is - work on groups of 3 or 4 repetitions. Be sure that your wrist is loose enough to be able to change position when your fingers change. Play the repeating notes fast and then hold one finger down, then start again. After a few times, change the finger you hold down. You can work in that matter on a single key or on the passage you want to improve.

[anda]

whether you decide to play the repeated notes with same finger, or to change fingers, the problem is the same: repeated notes naturally invite you to "stay on the same place". the solution (for me): group the notes (3 or 4 notes for each group) and find a movement for each group - move your arm as if you were playing legato. and never play 2 consequtive notes on the same place on the key - move continuously towards/backwards the piano lid.

[will]

Don't let the key rise completely before replaying it. Try and find the lowest point at which the key needs to return before it can be replayed to sound the next note. Also, don't depress the key all the way to the keybed, just do enough to make it sound.
Try and play on a good piano - nothing damps enthusiasm for playing repeated notes more than playing on an upright piano with a crappy action.

[lostinidlewonder]

What part of the toccata do you exactly mean? Which bars?

[sklebil]

I've been wanting to ask this question for some time... The replies so far are helpful, so I'll try out the suggestions.
I am trying to learn the 23/5 alla marcia by Rach, and I have a problem with the groups (repeated) of staccato chords. I have a Privia Casio piano at the moment, and I have a feeling that one of the problems about repeating the same chords or individual notes quickly is that my keys are "swimming" under my fingers. It's like walking in a swamp instead of on a concrete surface. Does anyone else have this problem with this piano?
And are there any specific hints for repeating the same chords?