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Topic: Using 2 or more pianos at once, why? (Read 1713 times)

n3wb13

PS Silver Member
Newbie
Posts: 10

Using 2 or more pianos at once, why?

on: July 20, 2010, 01:22:39 AM

I watched the video "If I could tell you" performed by Yanni at his live concert and I saw that he played 2 pianos at once. So I'm wondering what is the purpose of that and why he did this? Anybody tell me please, thanks

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quantum

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 6289

Re: Using 2 or more pianos at once, why?

Reply #1 on: July 20, 2010, 03:49:26 AM

He's doing this to access more than one sound at the same time. Each hand plays a keyboard setup with different instrument or timbre. This keyboard technique has been used for centuries on the organ.

See here how the organist switches between keyboards to create contrast:

Here is an example of playing the melody on one keyboard, the accompaniment in the other, and the bass with the feet:

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Made a Liszt. Need new Handel's for Soler panel & Alkan foil. Will Faure Stein on the way to pick up Mendels' sohn. Josquin get Wolfgangs Schu with Clara. Gone Chopin, I'll be Bach

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