Re: Using a fist on the piano

[rgh55]

Has anyone broken a string or damaged a piano using this method to achieve strong fortissimo?

thanks!!

[prongated]

No. And I've fisted quite a good deal of keys (only in the practise room!) from bass to treble but not usually in between. The only string I've broken was a treble note played probably at mf. with a finger of mine.

[retrouvailles]

If a piano can withstand the likes of Yefim Bronfman slamming his huge fat fingers with all of that supported weight onto some piano keys, I think a piano can withstand an average person slamming their fist (or forearms, or whatever) on a piano. No offense to Bronfman, of course. Strings break because of problems with the piano, not excessive pressure.

[pianist1976]

rgh55, why did you duplicate this thread?

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=38927.0

[quantum]

Not yet.  I do a lot of fist, forearm, and  elbow playing and haven't done serious damage with such techniques.  I've broke plenty of strings, hammer shanks and keys with normal playing though.