Back after several years, what to play?

[mikael.kallin]

I injured my arms, which I've written about in another thread: https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,29224.msg337140.html#msg337140

Now, I've tried to start playing a bit again, a bit easier stuff that doesn't put too much strain on my arms. The thing I want most now is to learn to play better with my left hand, I've tried some of Bach's inventions but they're to be honest far too advanced for me. It's not so much that I get pain in my arms but my brain just can't handle playing two different melodies at once!

Does anyone have suggestions of good pieces to play? I love Bach's inventions etc so something similar would be nice! I would also like suggestions of other pieces which are good to start off with!

[jgallag]

Bach has the Anna Magdalena Notebook...

But please, do not give up on the inventions. To me, it sounds like you'll be able to play them. Read the post by bernhard on https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,13220.0.html. This should help you to put the two hands together. Yes, this seems like a painfully slow process, but it works (at least, it does in my experience), and after you do it diligently on one of the inventions, the rest should come easier, because you will understand what you are doing. From what you've said, I'd assume you have no problem playing them hands separate. Therefore, you should be technically equipped to play them hands together. You just need to acquire the coordination now.

[mikael.kallin]

Well, actually I might give them a try! Right now I'm trying a Bach menuet from French suite no 3, which is challenging enough for me. Which of the inventions is easiest to start with? Either way, I'll play them without the ornaments, which are hard enough as it is without playing another melody with the other hand...

[jgallag]

I wouldn't say that one is easier than the others, they each teach different patterns. I know what you mean about not wanting to do the ornaments, but I think you really should. I never did trills or mordents with my left hand, and now that I have to it's taking a long time to get them to work. They're an important tool in piano literature, so you might as well learn them now.

Just go through the inventions in order (for simplicity's sake), or listen to them and see which one you like the most. They're not so difficult that you must do them in a specific order.