Exercises (or pieces) to help develop smooth phrasing

[nakashihiruma]

Hello,

When I play, I tend to place undue accents on notes which break the fluidity of a phrase. I really want to fix this tendency, so what are some good exercises (or pieces) that can help to develop smooth, dynamic control over phrases and runs?

[louispodesta]

Hello,

When I play, I tend to place undue accents on notes which break the fluidity of a phrase. I really want to fix this tendency, so what are some good exercises (or pieces) that can help to develop smooth, dynamic control over phrases and runs?

Ferruccio Busoni, whom you may have heard of, stated (paraphrase):  that if you can't sing, then you can't play.  Therefore, there are two points, that I may suggest, that can help you on your way.

1)  Get a voice teacher, absent that, join a choir, any choir.

2)  Dalcroze Rhythmics teaches a whole body approach to rhythm, which includes solfeggio.

These two elements are essential to your personal development in regards your ability to "phrase."  There is nothing wrong with you, and you just need to learn the technique in regards this situation.

I have low-level Parkinson's Disease.  If it works for me, then?

[j_menz]

Short answer: Bach Inventions, WTC; Handel Fugues; Pachelbel Fugues on the Magnificat; Alkan Funeral March from the Symphony for Solo Piano  Op 39 No. 5.

Long answer: It depends on where, and most importantly why you are placing undue emphasis. It could be bad fingering, bad technique, poor rhythmic sense or lack of mental focus (and no doubt others).  Obviously, these have different solutions.  Try a few Bach inventions and see if you can identify the cause of the problem - then you are half way to solving it. If you don't get to that cause, just banging away at more exercises/pieces will not be much use.