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Spreading Chords in the Baroque Period

Spread (or rolled, ripped, broken or arpeggiated) chords are simply chords where we play one note after the other, rather than playing all the notes simultaneously. Although this sounds relatively straightforward, there are questions and problems associated with spreading chords which this series of articles will seek to address.... Read >>

Bartók - Stamping Dance (from Mikrokosmos, Sz. 107, vol 5)

Sometimes known as Peasant’s Dance, this rustic piece explores changes of tempo and mood. While the composer’s articulation markings need careful consideration, it is not necessary to be too pedantic about the metronome markings (Bartók did not stick to these literally in his own performances). As long as the tempo relationships are preserved, some leeway is permissible. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links Click here to purchase sheet music form the Trinity College online store... Read >>

Chee-Hwa Tan - The Swing (from Through the Windowpane)

ABRSM Grade 1 – B2

The composer’s indication to soar “as high as your imagination takes you” invites a range of possible tempos from moderate to fast. The player has the opportunity to explore the colours of the different registers – the middle register in the opening, the treble in the second phrase and then down to the bass in the closing phrase. A long pedal marking at the end and a hand crossing in the final bar give the player the feeling of command over a wide range of the piano keyboard. A delightful character piece full of educational as well as artistic value.... Read >>

Trad. Irish (arr. Blackwell) - Down by the salley gardens

ABRSM Grade 1 – B3

In the opening of this imaginative arrangement of the traditional Irish tune the left hand holds down three notes silently, allowing sympathetic resonance from the undamped strings. Attention to expressive detail is called for in this piece, which offers the opportunity to cultivate a vocal style of phrasing and shaping in a melodic line. ... Read >>

Kallmeyer - Six-Eight-Prelude (from The Cool Cat Piano Goodies)

Trinity College - Grade 8

This Prelude comes from a collection of easy to moderate piano pieces in different popular idioms, Cool Cat Piano Goodies by German composer Ulrich Kallmeyer. The mood is relaxed, possibly even a little lazy. There is quite a lot going on in the left hand as it jumps from the upper register to the lower in the A section, all of which needs to be done with a light touch. To hold it all together we need to clearly feel two dotted crotchet beats per bar. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to... Read >>

Rocherolle - La chapelle (from Souvenirs du château)

Trinity College (Alternative) - Grade 7

This evocative piece by American pianist and composer Eugénie Rocherolle is somewhere between Romantic and musical theatre in style, making full use of the pedal to build up sonorities from sustained bass notes and rolling harmonies. It is music from the heart, calling for the ability to play freely with rubato and plenty of feeling. It makes a very effective recital piece and will be popular with players and listeners alike. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links Souvenirs Du Chateau is... Read >>

Löhlein (arr. Haas) - Balletto

Trinity College - Grade 2

The main challenge in Georg Simon Löhlein’s Balletto is the thirds, played both staccato and legato in the right hand (the left hand providing modest support). Perfect synchronisation of both notes is most important. This early Classical piece uses just two chords throughout – tonic and dominant, and two dynamics – mf and p.... Read >>

Diabelli - Moderato Cantabile (from Sonatina in F major, Op. 168 No. 1)

The first movement (Moderato) of Diabelli’s appealing Sonatina in F is a model of sonata form in miniature, an ideal way to teach form and structure to the intermediate pianist. The gently expressive first subject with its sighing appoggiaturas gives way to a skittish and playful second subject. In this video I demonstrate the art of finger pedalling in the left hand alberti patterns to create resonance by hand (instead of by foot, which would cloud the texture too much). I also show how to use deconstruction techniques in a tricky left hand passage to improve control and coordination. ... Read >>

Telemann - Allegro (from Fantasia No. 1 in D major)

Georg Philipp Telemann was a contemporary of J. S. Bach, and actually a much more famous and successful composer in his day. The Fantasia in D major, on Trinity’s Grade 6 alternative syllabus, is a worthy piece and a lot of fun to play. How do we make an edition of our own that adds dynamics, articulation, touch and expression to a score that does not include any of these details? In this video I show you some of the principles involved in making such decisions, looking at several options for interpretation based on the design of the music itself.... Read >>