Piano Forum

Greetings,

I am trying to learn this piece so I can start playing Ravel and understand his style.

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=64145.0

What tips could you give me?

PS, My hands can strench to an 8th key, with effort to a 9th key.

As stated for the record on this website, I am a classical pianist/"social activist" philosopher.  In the past, I have posted responses per my thesis regarding original performance practice.  This is the manner in which the composer/pianists of the 18th, 19th, and early 20th century actually played their music, and also taught such.



Accordingly, I list for your perusal the following links, which you can purchase directly or maybe borrow from a local music (University) library:

https://www.amazon.com/Composer-Pianist-Conductor-MAURICE-RAVEL/dp/B00008BNTE

https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/24/arts/music/24debu.html


The first source will open your ears, especially in regards your hand size, and the second will suggest a non-academic look as what really happened.

For further guidance, please do not hesitate to contact me by PM.

The piece your have already learned is a conservatory method (block chord) approach. And, when you listen to the Caswell recordings, you will realize that this (Maurice Ravel) composer/pianist was barely 5 feet tall, and he damn well did not have hands much larger than yours (OR MINE!).