A few questions...

[franz_]

A few questions...

I will do a competition in 2 months. I will play the first scherzo from Chopin. Is this a good choice? not to risqui? Normally I will play this one, but you have to play 2 clearly different periods. Do you think when I'm playing Chopin and Rachmaninoffs Etude Op. 33/8 or prelude 23/5 it is different enough? I also could play a part from the Grieg sonata.

Another question. What is a REALLY good method to work fast and to not forgot things. On my concerts I remember things by my fingers, but not by my head. And of course it is dangerous, thats something I want to change. I hope you get a bit what I mean.

Thanks a lot.

[franz_]

Nobody? 

[franz_]

 

[pianistimo]

i personally don't think there is any really fast method for memorizing - although others may say there is.  for me, it is fairly slow - but if i'm consistent - it is effective.  what helps me, is to tape the music one or two clicks below speed, then up one click (again), and then AT speed.  to have this on a tape recorder means that i can play it with the tape and practice from slow to faster and add in meaning and technique and remember tricky spots by hearing it on the tape recorder as i play with it.  sometimes u can then focus on the harmonies and start remembering what chords ur playing.  (btw, i'd only practice AT speed the last month - so the tempo is constant in ur mind).

also, with brahms, i would make up 'sayings' that went along with chord progressions or top rh notes.  this helped me tremendously.

others see colors.  i could see how that might help.

others 'feel' the chords.  it's like you are looking to replicate the feelings that u get from a particular chord and sound.  my brother can search around fairly quickly to find all the notes of a particular chord he is thinking.  he plays by ear more than i do - so finding chords is easy for him.

maybe the more u play - the more u know right where the notes are that u want to sound.  it's like the keyboard becomes more transparent over time.  the notes stick out at you instead of hiding.

i liked ur choices of music and wouldn't change anything.  maybe i'm not the one to ask about this competition, though.  perhaps u should look at past programs and find out what the competition is all about from past winners?  just an idea.  good luck!  or blessings!  perhaps one of the best things to do is to bring some moral support and someone who will buoy u up when ur at the firing line.

[franz_]

Thank you very much for your advice. Anyone else?

[bench warmer]

 I have never found a Fast way to memorize. The answer to this question is the same  answer as tourist in New York city got when he asked how could he get to Carnegie Hall.

The answer of course was: Practise, Practise, Practise.

Best of luck in your endeavor.