DANG GOOD STACCATO IS IMPORTANT

[pencilart3]

I've really been noticing this lately. Precise, well-placed staccato can REALLY REALLY make you sound a lot more professional in your music. If the score calls for it, of course. I think that zimerman is a master at well placed staccato. Listen to his performance of the chopin concertos. They are full of that beautiful staccato.

Ok so I've got some examples. PLEASE WATCH THESE. It only takes a few seconds and well... it's amazing. Watch: start a little before 50 seconds in this video. CAN YOU EVEN BELIEVE THAT? His level (in my mind) goes skyrocketing.

For this one, start at 33 seconds. I think he had one bad note, but my point still stands...

I would strongly encourage you to perfect your staccato playing, as I believe it will improve your overall performance a lot!  

[chopinlover01]

I think what you're hearing is a very clean, articulated touch, which I agree does work wonders when used well.
Just plain staccato, however, can mean a lot of different things, many of which would sound ugly in either context you provided.

[pencilart3]

I think what you're hearing is a very clean, articulated touch, which I agree does work wonders when used well.
Just plain staccato, however, can mean a lot of different things, many of which would sound ugly in either context you provided.

"Staccato: with each sound or note sharply detached or separated from the others."

Is this not what you heard in both performances? And is this not what sounds great? Were you listening at the right places?      

[chopinlover01]

Yes, but there are many types of staccatos that you could mean- light staccato, "sticky" staccato (a series of connected staccatos), or, what you were experiencing here, clean and articulated notes, which is a bit different.

[pencilart3]

Yes, but there are many types of staccatos that you could mean- light staccato, "sticky" staccato (a series of connected staccatos), or, what you were experiencing here, clean and articulated notes, which is a bit different.

ok, whatever you want to call it, I think you get the point 

[pianogeek_]

This is one of the things playing the organ can do for you: you start thinking about the release a lot more.

[pencilart3]

This is one of the things playing the organ can do for you: you start thinking about the release a lot more.

I played at a piano AND organ masterclass, he said something about release being absolutely essential in organ.