Scriabin- Waltz op 38

[dmk]

Playing this piece for several years myself, I am now teaching it to a student.

This generally gifted and quick student is struggling with the 5 against 3. It always sounds like he struggling or fudging it.  Other than this he is notationally fine and very secure...lots more work to do but on the whole going well.

It is even worse where the 5 against 3 is in the middle voice (it is slightly complicated in most places with the first note of the 5 being tied).

I love this piece and play it all the time...no one else seems to play it and listeners appreciate it.  Anyone else play it?

Advice and thoughts would really be appreciated!!!

Cheers

dmk

[pianonut]

my old teacher used to draw lines of approximation through the treble to the bass clef as to how close or far apart the notes will sound when played.  this helped tremendously.  then, as it got easier, i didn't have to think it out.

wonders if some verbal phrase would help, also?  most important is which finger comes first and how fast or close together.  the barber nocturne has caused considerable consternation to me in a passage that has 14 against ? (forget how many) anyway - tried to count it all out - teacher played it effortlessly    then one night i get to it and somehow it just all comes out correct.  try to repeat it.  3 out of 5.  just takes time i guess.  you can aim toward the last two notes played together and sort of fudge everything inbetween.  especially if the tempo is accelerated in the rh as opposed to strict timing everywhere.

this is where the fun in music begins and the structure dissappears.  suddenly, you feel like you could be on star trek and teleport anywhere.