Water Pianism

[danthecomposer]

Hello,

I am starting to promote my philosophy entitled Water Pianism.  Discussion on the topic would be most welcome.

I am currently working on a large book/guide but in the meantime, I am releasing samples which can be found on the Word Press page which is available via the introductory link below.

This is not a financial advert in any way.

Water Pianists do not study or apply any existing method at all because, as an introductory example, the concept of ‘skill acquisition’ does not carry any meaning to them.  In fact, they have achieved the mindset of removing restrictive labels and recognised that exactly what is required to ‘be a pianist’ already exists within them.

Do take your time to browse the samples made available below on the Word Press homepage.

(A unique logo is in creation).

https://piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/p/water-pianism.html

Many thanks,
Dan.

[philolog]

I've looked at your website and read some of what's posted there regarding Water Pianism. It's an interesting concept, nicely phrased, that seems to me to espouse a Taoist (or Zenist?) philosophy transposed to the piano. I feel this may have some benefit in achieving a non-competitive state of mind (both with oneself and others) that nonetheless could work in tandem with improvement at the instrument. Still, it's my opinion that the most beautifully articulated philosophy, independent of consistent practice, will merely devolve into contemplation rather than mastery.

[danthecomposer]

Thank you for your response.

Your observation is correct but it was not, is not and shall never be my intention to create a 'Zen' Pianist.

Your concern is genuine and true, but would only apply to those who only read words about how an orange tastes rather than ever picking up one and eating it.

Best,
Dan.

[ronde_des_sylphes]

Quite an interesting article, and well-written.

Some things I disagree with, and some I agree with.

Firstly, I don't think your analogy holds particularly true - the flow of water in nature is indeed a natural phenomenon, but I don't think pianism is natural - it's a learned activity, everyone may have the (hidden) capacity to do it to a certain level, but it's not like walking.

I'm uncomfortable with the amount of apparent relativism - for example I think it will be a very unusual pianist who found the Minuet for Anna Magdalena Bach more technically difficult than one of the Chopin-Godowskys.

I don't think that "difficult" passages will simply become easy through philosophising and avoiding classifying them as such; you can either play them at any given point in time or you can't. As to doubt and expectation, really it depends on how you handle such things. It's very unhelpful to go on stage full of doubts, that's for sure, but doubt (correctly used) is a useful check on potential problems. Expectation, I believe, should be set without reference to other pianists, but over time and with self-knowledge one learns to set realistic goals. If there is no doubt and no expectation set, how can one know when the desired outcome is reached? There has to be some element of critical analysis in the process. imo.

Comparison I agree can be deeply unhelpful: there is little merit in reinforcing negatives by the realisation that pianist X does things much better than you do. If comparisons are to be made, they should be in the context of with one's own potential - sometimes you surprise yourself by doing things better than you expected!

I completely agree with you about impatience and force, other than that the world unfortunately doesn't respect the concept of patience and sometimes there are deadlines to be met - that's said with some feeling on my part as I have a particularly annoying piece of passagework to sort out in the next month. If practicising doesn't go well over the next few days, I will consider applying your precepts!

Anyway, thanks again for these writings - whilst I don't fully agree, it's still interesting to read a point of view that is significantly at odds with received opinion.