**Playing fast octaves**

[starpianist]

I need help on one of the pieces I am currently playing. My piano teacher says I will be going through a period of Beethoven Sonate playing. I need techniques on relaxing my hand when playing a series of octaves (EX: from one D to an octave higher D), except that they are sixteenth notes. This is not fast to me, just that it is tough to relax my hand so that it won't ache, but also play clearly. Please help me!

[gonzalo]

I need help on one of the pieces I am currently playing. My piano teacher says I will be going through a period of Beethoven Sonate playing. I need techniques on relaxing my hand when playing a series of octaves (EX: from one D to an octave higher D), except that they are sixteenth notes. This is not fast to me, just that it is tough to relax my hand so that it won't ache, but also play clearly. Please help me!

Here:

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2230.msg20686.html#msg20686
(Octaves and fast octaves – excellent post by Robert Henry)

Take care,
Gonzalo

[zheer]

it is tough to relax my hand so that it won't ache, but also play clearly. Please help me!

   Ok here is a good method, you mentioned playing an octave passage from D - D, well place your LH or RH flat on the keys so that your 5th finger and thumb are touching the keys,no need to curve your hand. At a slow tempo and a soft tone,all one needs to do to play an octave passage either rising or descending is to play the octave with the finger tips only. However at a faster tempo and a stronger tone it is essencial to play from the wrist and finger. Very slow and loud octaves can be played using your arm by lifting your arm slightly and using gravity to your advatage , though this needs some skill , hence the faster the octave passage in music  the more economical one needs to be at the piano, reducing the motion to its minimim. I hope this will help a little.Good luck.

[starpianist]

Thank you very much for your help. I find this information very helpful to me now, and possibly in the future.