Pathetique RIGHT HAND

[winstonian3]

Forget the left hand troubles of pathetique, the tremolo section doesn't faze my left hand. In fact, it is the ascending, and then descending chords in the right hand that hold me back from playing that section well and up to tempo. None of the piece is a problem for me except the right hand in this section. What do I need to be doing?

[pianoman53]

You can do several "exercises":

Start with playing only the top voice, then add the octave, then one of the middle voices. Then you play middle voice and top, only the lower voice, etc. (All with the fingering you're normally using)
Some people like to feel the key before playing. So then you could play in slow tempo, but with a fast movement, from chord to chord.

See if it helps

[lojay]

I can get you playing this in under 5 minutes if you can play the rest of the piece - you just have to apply what you already know.

How did you move your left hand when the right hand is playing the tremolos in the development?  You want to apply this movement to your right hand.

1) Using only the top notes of the chords, play the rocket theme with slurs as indicated in the development for the left hand.  You don't want to do this more than 5 or so times...just do it enough to get used to the movement needed to slur.

2) Now add the thumb/second finger to form each chord, but play this bottom portion of the chord with staccato (still slur the top portion accordingly).  Again, don't do this more than needed, just a few times.

3) Remove the slurs and play the chords as written.

Easy, right?

[winstonian3]

Your answer sounds very promising... I'm a bit lost.
Which part in the development where the right hand plays tremolos? I don't see a part before the Allegro di molto con brio-maybe I'm missing something here?
Also, after the rocket theme, when the chords descend, do I do the same exercise?
I'm sitting at the piano and I don't think I'm doing any of this right...
Thanks for any help!! I need to get this down to impress my grandfather who is coming to visit this week

[lojay]

Using this edition, go to page 4.  This section is the development.  Halfway through line 3.

I must've misread your post...I swore that when I read the post you only mentioned that you had problems with the ascending chords.  Did you change the post?

Anyways, what exactly is your issue with the descending chords?

Out of curiousity, how do you do with the jumps with the right hand when you cross over?  How about the tremelos on page 3?  I mean I can give you tons of suggestions, but the exercises I gave you assumed you had the technique for everything else including the slower descending chords...

[lojay]

Also, after the rocket theme, when the chords descend, do I do the same exercise?

I didn't answer this question directly, no you don't!

The purpose of the other exercise was to get you to move a certain way to play the quicker ascending staccato chords.

What exactly are you struggling with with the descending chords?

[winstonian3]

I apologize. I didn't fully explain everything. All I've learned SO FAR, is the first and second page. However, the rocket theme and then the descending chords are giving me trouble. The left hand octave tremolos are not a problem for me. I can play the right hand slowly, but when I start to increase the speed, everything just falls apart. I apologize for all the confusion. Do you have any suggestions for me now? I can't just "apply" stuff from other parts because I haven't learned them yet. Would you still have any advice?
Thanks

[lojay]

I'll help you out if you post or message me video of the parts you have trouble with.  Play it once at a comfortable tempo and play it once in tempo.  Make sure your hands are clearly visible.

To be realistic, you probably have problems that's unlikely to be fixed in hours (you'd need someone showing you what you're doing wrong, showing you the proper movements, and teaching you good habits).  I realize you're learning this to impress your grandfather, but think long term...

Do you have a teacher?  A good teacher should be able to get you to play this quickly if you're not retarded and somewhat dedicated...

[winstonian3]

Yeah actually, I just contacted my teacher, and she agreed to see me before the year starts. A little "pre-season" if you will. Thanks for the help though-I'll let you know how it goes.

[lojay]

Best of luck!

I recommend playing just the Grave section for the grandfather and practicing the rest of the piece slowly just to get the notes in your fingers.