Janacek 1.X.1905 sonata help

[davidjosepha]

I need some help with this figure...



Beat two of the first measure shown with the A major chord. My main problem is that I can only just barely play the bottom four notes together with my left hand without hitting any other notes, and I need to be able to get into that position in a microsecond after playing the G. Also, the C# at the top is the most important note of that chord, and I can't really get it to ring above the other notes even when just playing the chord with tons of time to set up my hands.

I can play the chord with my right hand if I drop the bottom E in the treble clef...would that be gauche? Is there a better way of playing this? I can talk to my teacher next term, but that's not until January and I'd like to be able to play at least the second movement (from which this passage is) pretty fluently before then.

Any thoughts?

[j_menz]

5 already on the G, so I'd roll it  432 and 1 on the C# which should give you the volume you need on it. RH chord played at same time as the C# not the start of the roll. Pedal looks to be assumed down given the  suggested fingering, so rest of LH should be OK and you can drop back to using your thumb on the E.

Haven't actually tried it (at work) but that would I think be my starting point.

[davidjosepha]

(at work)

You have a job?

I just went and tried it on my digital piano and it seems to work well. I'll try to get it fluent tomorrow when I can play on a real piano. Thanks for the help!

So far, that's the biggest challenge with this piece...massive chords.

[j_menz]

You have a job?

 

So far, that's the biggest challenge with this piece...massive chords.

I'll see your Poulenc and raise you an Alkan. 

[davidjosepha]

How in the hell does he expect me to play this note? (the d-flat)

[j_menz]

How in the hell does he expect me to play this note? (the d-flat)

The guy what done the fingering expects you to roll it up from thumb on D to the A.  Poulenc appears to want you to roll it down from the A to the D (giving the staccato on the A and not on the D). The latter is a bit harder to pull off, but is going to give a more correct sound.

If all else fails, your nose should fit in at that point. May be dangerouus at forte or above. 

[davidjosepha]

If all else fails, your nose should fit in at that point. May be dangerouus at forte or above. 

It's a shame more pianists don't think like you. And my nose's dynamic range is incredible.

[ajspiano]

How in the hell does he expect me to play this note? (the d-flat)

Its a duet at that point just for that one note. Thats what the image of a single finger on the page means.

[davidjosepha]

Its a duet at that point just for that one note. Thats what the image of a single finger on the page means.

Parts of this piece would certainly make more sense as a duet!

[j_menz]

Parts of this piece would certainly make more sense as a duet!

I warned you when you bought it that three hands was a distinct advantage. Buy did you go out and get one? No! 

[davidjosepha]

I warned you when you bought it that three hands was a distinct advantage. Buy did you go out and get one? No! 

I did, but it didn't come with instructions as to how to attach it, and its previous owner was supremely unhelpful.

Now it's just sitting in my fridge.

[j_menz]

I did, but it didn't come with instructions as to how to attach it, and its previous owner was supremely unhelpful.

Now it's just sitting in my fridge.

** wonders why +1 911 just doesn't work.

** wonders if I should have mentioned that.

[49410enrique]

If all else fails, your nose should fit in at that point. May be dangerouus at forte or above.  

you two are not too far off the mark. i saw this etude in concert/recital a few months ago and it was hilarious, the entire hall was cracking up.

rakowski wrote an incredible set of approx 100 piano etudes that are super creative.

this one explores the need of a pianist to sometimes have a 'third arm'. appropriately subtitled 'Schnozzage', it specifically trains what you all are hinting at. i love this thing lol

Amy Briggs performs David Rakowski's 22nd piano étude, "Schnozzage", for melody in the nose. Slosberg Hall, Brandeis University, December, 2001 with Amy's mom in the background following the score. Rakowski's études © by CF Peters.

[j_menz]

Amy Briggs performs David Rakowski's 22nd piano étude, "Schnozzage", for melody in the nose. Slosberg Hall, Brandeis University, December, 2001 with Amy's mom in the background following the score. Rakowski's études © by CF Peters.

Now I know what I look like when I'm having a bad day. I tend to go for a whole tone block with my forehead, though. Fortissississimo too, naturalemente.