Stop playing like a cockcroach!

[rubinsteinmad]

In Beethoven's l'Adieux Sonata Op. 81a, I (measures 29-33), my playing sounds like the scattering of a cockroach, only with some sound to it. I press all the notes correctly, but it lacks  the goodness of any average piano student in AMERICA (no, not Russia, China, or Germany. Those I cannot COMPARE to  ) WHY?  How can I change it?

[michael_sayers]

In Beethoven's l'Adieux Sonata Op. 81a, I (measures 29-33), my playing sounds like the scattering of a cockroach, only with some sound to it. I press all the notes correctly, but it lacks  the goodness of any average piano student in AMERICA (no, not Russia, China, or Germany. Those I cannot COMPARE to  ) WHY?  How can I change it?

Hi rubinsteinmad,

What type of piano are you playing on?


Mvh,
Michael

[thetanman]

hey mate

not quite sure what a musical scattering of a cockroach sounds like

maybe you could listen to a recording of this piece and see what the difference is at these measures between your playing and the pianist's playing.

could be a few things...

playing the thirds evenly with a good technique
getting the timing right
getting the dynamics right
using the correct fingering
a good touch for the staccato
bringing out the main melody

lots of good practice

a lot can go into just a few measures
 

[michael_sayers]

hey mate

not quite sure what a musical scattering of a cockroach sounds like

maybe you could listen to a recording of this piece and see what the difference is at these measures between your playing and the pianist's playing.

Hi thetanman,

Rubinsteinmad is the one who is experiencing the scattering of cockroaches issue, not myself.  You are right, though - it would be good to hear a recording and to get some more information.


Mvh,
Michael

[thetanman]

Not sure if you're serious or not...

[iansinclair]

Scattering of a cockroach, eh?  Wonderful description!

My guess -- and not having heard you play, it's a guess mind you -- is that you are describing the classical disconnect between technical competence and artistry.  so... what you need to do is figure out what you think Beethoven was trying to say with the music, and how you want to say it and what you want to say in addition.  Sometimes much more easily said than done...

I would note that it was Rubinstein himself who had some thoughts on this subject -- one of the best of his one-liners is that no one should ever play Chopin who hasn't been deeply in love!

[michael_sayers]

Not sure if you're serious or not...

Hi thetanman,

At Piano Street I am often a bit of a Swedish-type humourist.


Mvh,
Michael

[compline]

@ Rubinsteinmad,  would you mind explaining what the scattering of a cockroach means? or can you put it some other way. It seems a very strange concept.