Repeated Chords/Octaves

[jgallag]

I'm looking for advice on how to execute repeated/moving chords and octaves for extended periods. I can get up to about three repetitions at high speed, but after that I find that my forearms get tight and my elbows lock and I slow down. The specific pieces I'm looking at are the accompaniment to Schubert's Erlkonig, Moskowzki's Etude Op. 72 No. 9 in D minor, Rachmaninov's Prelude in G minor Op. 23 No. 5 (Bars 23-24), Chopin's Military Polonaise, and Muczynski's Prelude Op. 6 No. 6. Am I looking at the same or different techniques for these pieces? I'm working on releasing my jaw and maintaining my breath, but I'd like to know the motions that allow the forearm to release while playing these.

Thanks.

[dan101]

Attack the octaves using and undulating (up and down) wrist motion. It's quite effective.