Crossing hands when playing

[pianoplayer51]

Is this advanced or not?   I have never played anything which requires me to play with the left hand and cross over with the right hand to reach the lower end of the keyboard.  Why do pianists do this and why dont you just simply move your left hand lower instead of keeping it to the upper part and using your right hand to play the lower notes?

[quantum]

I've seen it introduced in beginner method books.  The technique does not lend itself exclusively to advanced music. 

Why do this?  Sometimes it promotes better line, and the motion of the crossover is more fluid then then that of shifting the opposite hand.  Another reason is to achieve a certain tone, and that of the crossover is preferred to that of the shift. 

Here is some music to examine:

Bach - Partita 1, BWV 825, Gigue

Franck - The Chorale from Prelude, Chorale and Fugue

[pianoplayer51]

 

will take a look thank you