Tremolos in Pathetique Sonata 1st mov

[eduardom]

Any tips on playing the tremolos at the start of the pathetique sonata? (just after the introduction part) I have been struggling this last week in giving speed to that part but I really have some problems in playing it smoothly.

[pianoplayer002]

Try to feel like the movement for playing each key is coming from the very tip of the finger. The finger tip feels active and "leads" the movement. You need to make sure that your wrist, elbow and shoulder are completely supple and free of tension before, after and during each movement, following the fingertips wherever they wish to go without resistence. Other than that you just need to work patiently and speed will come.

[lalo57]

A dramatically easier approach to the tremolos in Pathétique is through a slight move of the wrist rather than just the fingers. You need strength for doing them right and in a musical, crescendo, diminuendo, nice touch fashion. It is the position of your arm, a really really relaxed wrist and hand, coupled with a really smooth and controlled move. Piano is way more than simply fingers.

[liszt1022]

Much has been said on the topic around here, actually. Take a look in here and see what you can find:
https://www.pianostreet.com/index_sr.php?cx=006699662278131543491%3Aytxfri5hths&cof=FORID%3A10%3BNB%3A1&ie=SO-8859-1&q=pathetique+tremolos&sa=Search

[luct]

Hi, I'm a student of piano, like you I am studying the pathetique of Beethoven, about the tremolo, as well as advice that you were given, you have to begin at a low speed, gradually increase, this just the hand is prepared 100% ,do not rush, can pass even weeks to go from one speed to another speed, repeat even the old speed over time,plays the tremolo also separate hands.

[toomuchpolitics]

You may find this useful

[faulty_damper]

You may find this useful

The movements she's using in the video are inefficient and requires muscular effort at musical tempo.  Certain movements are useful for the downbeat accent, however, the rest of it is a waste of energy due to its mechanical inefficiency. This then requires muscular effort to make up for that inefficiency which leads to muscular fatigue.

[toomuchpolitics]

I personally do not use those movements when playing the Pathetique, however, I was tearing my hair out with a transfer student who was unable to sustain any type of tremolo for any period of time due to small hands, tight webbing and overall tightness of the arms.  Using this type of movement, she was able to overcome this problem and play the piece satisfactorily to pass her Associate diploma exam.

[luct]

, Miytical Lisitsa,

, Zimerman, Observed Their movements of the tremolo, in the sixth minute Lisitsa, in the ninth Zimerman, they perform different movements, the question is which of the two movements is the best?