Presto triplets and Allegro 16th's

[1piano4joe]

Hi all,

If i have to play a piece with triplets at 160+ BPM for Presto or Allegro at 120+ BPM for sixteenth notes, things start to go awry. I start to lose control by either missing notes, accenting notes and/or coordination problems start to arise. In addition, there is often a loss of evenness such as on Mozart's Sonata in C major on the simple C major scale runs. So, I can play it slower and evenly but it doesn't sound fast, lively or bright. I just don't like it slow and it starts to get funky at the faster speeds. Also, the 32nd notes become impossible for me.

In Goodwin's glossary of tempo markings used in classical music he lists allegro as 84-144. In general, 84 BPM presents little if any problems for me. Some pieces I can work up to at 100 BPM and then things start to go down hill from there.

Yes, I know, I know, it's an Italian MOOD term meaning fast, lively and bright. It just bothers me that I have to play certain pieces below 120+ or find a slower definition because I don't possess the technique/chops to play at that speed. I am aware that the earlier pianos had lighter action and could be played at these breakneck speeds but I am hard-pressed to do so.

I also find I can't practice even one hand very long at these tempos without becoming fatigued and my speed actually gets slower after awhile. My forearms get warm to the touch as well.

I'm around a late intermediate to early advanced player. I have read this is a very common problem for pianists at my stage of development. It would be great if someone had some sage advice for me even if it's as simple as hang in there you will get there eventually although I would rather have concrete practical advice.

Thank you, Joe.

[faulty_damper]

Obviously a technical issue, one that involves activating fingers to depress the keys and not the entire apparatus.  Solution: you'll have to learn to use the entire apparatus, not just the fingers.  It should feel very easy with minimal muscular effort.  If you are using noticeable muscular effort, you're doing it wrong.