Height and Hand Size

[comme_le_vent]

Do height and hand size affect the ability/technique/sound of the performer.

I have wondered this ever since i heard rechmaninov play, even through the hiss his sound is extremely powerful, and i wondered if this was due to the sheer size of the man and his hands.

what are your thoughts?

[Chopin_fan]

I think that hand size effects only little bit to your technical skills. But also when there are some small intervals or scales it's easier to play with smaller hand.
Height? I don't think so...

[anda]

size doesn't matter ! i've heard a short young female pianist (about 90 pounds, i'd say) playing prokofiev 3rd and i could hear her over tutti - over the trombones and the trumpets and all. a small figure can be compensated technically - speed of attack can usually result in a good ample sound just as well as a heavy arm.

of course it's easier for a big fellow to play this kind of stuff - one of my teachers used to say brahms 2nd shouldn't be played by anyone under 200 pounds (of course he was about 120 and played it wonderful )

as for small hands - depends how small. i can't reach all 9th, and i can't reach any 10th, but the only work i was ever forbidden was brahms - variations on his own theme. i'd say execpt for a few works, everything is possible - and the only real problem is if you could play that work regardless of your hands' size. i don't see this as a problem (even though i've had my share "chords i can't reach")

[scriabinsmyman]

i'm 5'2", and on good days, have a span of 10 keys...when it comes to playing rach or something similar, i find myself rolling or breaking up many of the LH chord- i think it adds a special effect. if rolling or breaking up the chord doesn't sound right, then i dont play all the notes in the chord. i really dont think size matters- you can always make anything work, unless you're so little you can't reach the pedals