Rachmaninoff Etude Tableauz Op33 No 7

[chanamet]

I am practicing this Etude (Op. 33 No. 7 in G minor), and I have a problem to make chord in measure 9th legato.This happen the same in measure 13, and 19-23. So I wonder how to play this and how to use finger with this. Now I have a way out by using left hand play the bottom notes instead of using right hand play three notes at the same time. However, I think there should be some ways better than this.

One more problem is the scale at the end of this etude. How to play this scale fast.

[robert_henry]

Use your left hand there.  Why would you want to find a better way than that?  It's not cheating, ya know.  Besides, look at the voice leading.  The left hand voice leads all the way up to the Bb.  So, I would take the last A with the left hand, and on the last chord of the measure your right hand should use fingering 2,4.  Then carefully listen to your RH thumb as it takes over from the left hand.  Practice playing A with 2 and connecting it to a Bb with your RH thumb.

About the scale:  Other than the obvious suggestion that you practice scales everyday in all keys, inversions and modes, contrary and parallel, including chromatics and in thirds, make sure that 1) on the first loud G at the beginning of the measure that you are relaxed.  Don't carry any tension from that fortissimo G into the scale.  2) Also notice the crescendo, which means you should be starting the scale from a low volume, which again should allow you to relax at the start of the scale.  3) Thirdly, in my opinion, this is not some kind of Lisztian fluffy, sparkling scale.  It is a scale in which every note has meaning, as if every note were a word of a poem that must read and heard carefully.  So speed does not matter here.  It is a heavy, ponderous scale and the last thing on your mind should be "how can I play this fast to show off my fingers?"  4) Use lots of pedal on it  and always release the pedal just before the last couple notes of a rising scale like that.  You can use this pedaling principle in many pieces, including the Chopin Ballades, Scherzos and Etudes where you have rising scale passages.  Always release right before the top to make it the notes clear.  If you fail to do this, your bass will still be ringing after you've finished playing the scale...not good.

Good luck!  

[chanamet]

Thank you for your advice. Using pedal is a good ideal. I tried that I I feel that make playing scale easier. However, it seem to me when I put the pedal all the way down, there are too much noises. So, I just use it only the half way to the bottom of the pedal, and change the pedal about three time before the ending note. I am not sure is that a good idea or not. And one thing about this scale, I found out it is more interesting to start from slow and then speed up to the ending note. What do you think?

Sorry for my poor English. (I am not an English speaker.)

[gerry]

Just a technicality regarding a very old thread, but my International edition shows the Opus 33 g minor as #8 not #7