staccato

[PaulNaud]

When playing a staccato note it seems to me that arm release is better than finger release.
The finger release seems to produce a sharp and pointed staccato while arm release produces a light and pleasant staccato.

Comments.........................................

[Ruro]

Interesting... arm release is certainly better if you WANT that result of light and pleasant If you want a STRIKING sound to pierce the listeners ears... then finger whip it!

I dunno, I don't know any pieces that use stacatto, lol, but you havn't particularly stated a scenario, so I can't even begin to say which is better

[debussy symbolism]

Greetings.

Staccato isn't restricted to a specific sound or motion. Many staccato are applied to different music. A staccato is for example Bach's music would be much different than that of Debussy. One has to practice many staccato such as the brilliantly lit, or somewhat needle-point sharp, agitated, relaxed. A portato is also different then staccato. So to sum it up there are many staccatos and that practicing a wide variety is very helpful.



Best Wishes to all.

[PaulNaud]

Let's say Bach's prelude no. 5 from the WTC vol.I.
How would you play the left hand of this D Maj. prelude?

[debussy symbolism]

Greetings.

I haven't played the Well-Tempered Clavier yet. However from my experience with Bach's staccato, it is more of a half legato, half staccato. Light and clear, yet somewhat prolongued. These should be played not so much with fingers, but with the entire arm heavy playing the notes.(I do a horrible job explaining). In other words, the staccato I emplored was that of a somewhat legato, singing in manner bright staccato, never legato. However since you are playing the Well Tempered Clavier the technique might be different. There isn't an only way, but I'm guessing its the one I used. The point is clarity and the singing manner. I also sing so for interpreting Bach I sometimes look at the corellation of voices as Tenor, Bass, Baritone, Alto, Soprane. Bach's music wasn't directly written for the fortepiano, but rather the harpsychord. The harpsichord isn't capable of producing the legato sound that our instruments can. It was rather a sound in granules. So one might try to "imitate" the sound. These are just suggestions. Anyways, I'm delighted to help anyway I can.




Best Wishes to all.