Definition of Piano Technique

[comme_le_vent]

what is the definitive definition of piano technique?

and also, what elements of piano study are seperate from technique

[comme_le_vent]

i didnt know where to ask this question, but i chose here because im a student...

to clarify...what does piano technique mean?
what is the definitive definition of it?

when i see reviews of pianists often they talk about their technique....so whats the definition?

[mark1]

Piano technique to me is a general term. Technique is the way you do something by means of individual skills you've acquired. Each piece may require a different skill or technique to play(or many). That was the way I was taught.  
I am not a teacher...so don't quote me.           Mark

[bernhard]

Here are some definitions for a start. Hopefully people will keep adding to it.

Seymour Fink:

“What is piano technique?

I define it as purposeful movement for musical ends.

Purposeful coordinated movement triggered by inner hearing form the basis of musical expression. The spirit and quality of this movement is as much a part of the artistic message as accuracy of pitch and rhythm.

Mind and body are trained together. Good training encourages a variety of physical approaches for this increases the emotional range of your playing.

I also emphasize adaptability for we must constantly adjust to different pianos, rooms and associated musicians, let alone music spontaneity.

We seek the coherent development of advantageous coordinations.

The focus is on the player’s body, the way it is positioned, the way it moves, the sensations it feels and the sounds it produces.

The newly learned gestures will become fused with your musical imagination and spur you to more beautiful, more expressive piano playing.”

Gyorgy Sandor:

“Technique is the sum total of organised motions executed by the performer. These motions produce sounds that recreate the moods of the composer in the performer’s own interpretation.”

Maria João Pires:

“Technique is not something that exists in itself. It’s the way that you come to your goals and realise your musical wishes. It’s about how you use your body. People don’t talk about your “walking technique”; they talk about your “way of walking”. Similarly there is a way of using your body to play the piano. Technique implies something that you can repeat the same way, like a machine. But a musician has to be free to change at every moment. If music can never be played the same way twice, how can you have a technique? The word is dangerous because want the musician should learn is how to use his body, how to keep his body healthy an in good condition. This is exactly the opposite of most musicians.”

[comme_le_vent]

great stuff, while it may seem like a beginners question - many of us havent thought about the exact meaning of 'piano technique'.

I define piano technique as 'the command of the physical and musical possibilities in piano playing'

and i would divide piano technique into -
1 - the physical motions of piano playing
2 - the complete control and capability of using those motions to ANY musical end.

having a great technique - means being able to play anything - in any musical way you want.

beyond technique - the APPLICATION of the aforementioned POSSIBILITIES.

this application includes 'interpretation', 'emotional expression', and other planned and/or spontanious elements of piano study and performance.

what do you think of that? especially bernhard(o ye of great wisdom)  

[mark1]

...I tremble at his greatness...  

[comme_le_vent]

mine? or am i just dreaming