Improvised study in legato

[ted]

It is no great secret that I am a bit of a dud at legato finger work, in fact legato anything. Just recently, following recovery from my injury, I have been doing my best to develop it and to find its musical application in my improvisation. While in some ways I am finding it more relaxing, it is also far less conducive to the generation of rhythm cells, which then have to occur through envelopes or surges rather than discrete  striking.

Nonetheless I am not completely displeased with the results. How simple everything would be if only one sort of technique could produce all musical effects.

[pianowolfi]

That's very beautiful, I enjoyed listening! Legato passages sound good in your style!

[ted]

Thanks for listening Wolfi. Although the effect isn't too bad and certainly less finger movement is required, there is a musical price to be paid in rhythm and clarity. Also, I am not convinced that physical legato is any less likely to cause problems than detached finger striking. It might actually be worse because of the increased rotation, twisting and passing under. More in the nature of an experiment at this stage. I can do it if necessary, that's all I wanted to know.