Repertoire Recommendations

[jgallag]

Hi, I'm looking for some pieces to study on my own, with the intent of using them to improve and solidify my technique. To be more specific, I'm working on relaxation and efficient use of the body, and implementing a few Feldenkrais and Alexander concepts. So, I need pieces where technique actually won't be a problem to allow me to focus on posture, breathing, etc. I just performed Bach's Prelude and Fugue in A minor (Book 2), Beethoven's Sonata Op. 14 No. 1 in E major, and Ravel's Valses Nobles et Sentimentales for my last jury, to give you an idea of my current level. As far as my interests, Ravel is certainly at the top, along with Debussy, and other lesser known composers such as Muczynski, Janacek, Chabrier, etc. I'm looking for beauty in spite of relative ease, and my volume of repertoire in the house is either too challenging or not quite so stimulating for what I'm looking for. Plus, I like fresh ideas very much.

Thank you.

[prongated]

How about a selection of Ravel's le Tombeau de Couperin (except the Toccata maybe. The Minuet is a particular favourite of mine) or Debussy's Preludes bk. I (nos. 1, 4, 8, 10, and/or 12)? If you are willing to spend some time learning the piece, then maybe one of Rachmaninoff's Preludes (op. 23 no. 6 or 8, or op. 32 no. 5)?

From what I've learned so far (I too am working on relaxation!) the purpose of adjusting any technique should primarily be guided by the sound you are producing, and I think those pieces will help you think about that.

[nanabush]

Some pieces that I played in the past that really caught me off guard in terms of HOW I was sitting at the piano playing them:

Ravel - Sonatine
Chopin - Nocturne Op 48 #1
Debussy - Preludes Bk 1 #1,3,5

The sonatine has some virtuoso sections, but it's full of pp and ppp, and too many times I'd be super tense at the shoulders playing the alberti-ish configurations in both hands, and it was really easy to make it sound very choppy.  That one really forced me to stay super relaxed;  I'd say the first movement would be a great one to look at.  There are some very quick rests dropped all over the piece and lots of breath marks.

The Nocturne's 'doppio movimento' is the part where it's REALLY easy to bang out the notes once you have the chords down.  My prof seriously made me play that part dozens of times over just because I was always getting really tense. 

You can also look at the slower pieces from Debussy's Images (Et la lune descend... , Hommage a Rameau) , or some of his slower preludes.  You can even look at the fast ones, because they all have excellent spots to work on relaxation and breathing (sudden 'cedez' comes up in Collines d'Anacapri, and the left hand tremolo/trills in Ce q'ua vu le vent d'ouest at pp/ppp are good for relaxing the arm)

I agree with what was said earlier; you will notice that you are getting the sound you strive for when you play through with better posture and relaxation.  The stuff I'm playing now comes easier and sounds and feels less strenuous.  I had HORRIBLE posture last year; I had to delete the video of my recital lol.