Raindrop Prelude Middle Notes - Tips for Practicing

[thomasmgill]

Hi everyone, I am really enjoying playing the Chopin's D flat major Prelude (Raindrop).

However, I am running into a real issue voicing a certain section. I am attaching what I am talking about specifically, but it is during the middle C# minor section where the right hand is playing the repeated G# octaves but the main melodic note is between the two G#s.

Does anyone have any tips on how to play these middle notes loudly while keeping the G# octaves at a consistent low volume?! It seems that every time I try to hit these middle notes hard, my fingers wind up banging on the G#s as well, and I think the pedal tones should be at a consistent mp-mf (no spikes). Thanks!!!

[michael_sayers]

Hi Thomasmgill,

I keep the thumb and pinky "splayed" and simultaneously well cusped, and maintain a strong curve to the finger as needed that plays the middle voice.  The pinky and thumb are tensed to lock them into position, the finger for the middle voice, though highly curved, is totally relaxed for a completely independent voicing.

I hope this helps!


Mvh,
Michael

[chopinlover01]

Voicing seems to be your issue- the issue being that the middle voice is not brought out enough.
Apply extra weight to just the finger playing those middle voices, see how it turns out.. if not, there are numerous online sources where you can get more tips.

[iansinclair]

You need to be very sure that your are using your finger action, with minimal if any wrist action.  This is a wonderful piece for learning finger independence!  I might add that in a later section, the outer notes of the chords need to be louder, and the continuing G sharp softer (I use 2 for the G sharp rather than 3, as my third finger doesn't work so well any more, and 1 4 5 for the chord).

[thomasmgill]

Thanks for the tips guys. I will definitely try hard to make sure there is as little wrist action as possible during that sections and it allows for a more independent middle voice. I find that I probably should be playing the outer G#s at a lower, but consistent volume throughout!!

[pianoworthy]

I find it helps when you use your entire arm and shoulder for the octaves while holding the inner notes, so that your hand can relax.