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Hugh: Thanks for the lessons, when I have time, I'm going to start working this piece from start to finish!
By the way, I have a really nice copy of most of debussy's finer works: It has a few extra notations and fingerings that make learning a bit easier. Want me to scan and post Clair de Lune?
Hugh: Thanks for the lessons, when I have time, I'm going to start working this piece from start to finish!
By the way, I have a really nice copy of most of debussy's finer works: It has a few extra notations and fingerings that make learning a bit easier. Want me to scan and post Clair de Lune?
Hi Munkeegutz Thanks for your kind offer, but I would advise against posting your version of Clair de lune, unless you can be sure it's in the public domain. There are still some editions out there where the copyright is somewhat iffy, so just to be safe, let's just work with what we can reasonably determine to be PD.
Now we add the right hand to measure 15. Recognizing that the right hand is playing octaves makes it easier to figure out the notes. We also see how pivoting fingers can make the playing of repeated notes easier, particularly as we want to keep the "cookie cutter" shape of our octave hand. Remember Tai Chi piano from our last lesson? Applying slow practice with precise arrivals will help to train the muscles to memorize the physical distances between jumps. We also use "memory guides" where the hands share notes, helping to smooth out jumps.
hey I'm in on this too. I'm supposed to learn the easy version for my next lesson, and already did, so downloaded the original version, and happened upon this. Thanks!
Acoustic: Yamaha C6 with AdSilent Digital: Yamaha N3X, Kawai VPC1 with Pianoteq
Hugh, I was really worried about the speed that you were going to use for the "interesting section". I thought for sure I would be lost and it would take me weeks to get back up to speed. I was wrong.
Your breakdown is perfect for me. What I have realized is I have a whole "bumblebee" to go from the base Eb's to the next chord in the left hand and only octives, at first, to deal with in the right hand. YOU have made it easy!
Hugh, I was really worried about the speed that you were going to use for the "interesting section". I thought for sure I would be lost and it would take me weeks to get back up to speed. I was wrong.
Your breakdown is perfect for me. What I have realized is I have a whole "bumblebee" top go from the base Eb's to the next chord in the left hand and only octives, at first, to deal with in the right hand. YOU have made it easy!
Seu Seung, komapsumnida.
Woody
That's so cool to hear! I'm glad to hear that you find the lesson speed manageable, Woody! Thanks!
We review the duple/triple rhythms in measures 15-16, and introduce MusicReader's text stamping feature to put the "buzzing bumblebee" mnemonic into the music with contrastic colors. We start off by working on the right hand notes, using more colors to highlight the octave patterns. We use pivoting fingerings in the right hand on the repeated notes to preserve our "cookie cutter" shape between the octaves.
Hugh, do you have any advice to offer regarding the playing of 3rds - and chords generally - in perfect unison, whilst at the same time balancing the voices in the chords appropriately? This is an essential skill I've been trying to master for a long time, with inconsistent results. Learning Clair de Lune with you has prompted me to ask for your help.
Hm - if you could post a video response, that might be helpful in figuring out how best to address your 3rds issues. Thanks!
Thanks for your reply Hugh but my question is simply related to the playing of chords - any chords - in perfect unison without any notes being sounded momentarily before others, if you understand me. I don't have a '3rds issue' especially but - in common with many others I'm sure - I can't consistently play chords - even 3rds - with all parts in perfect unison. Clair de Lune has its fair share of chords and so I thought this might be a good opportunity for someone of your undoubted teaching ability to offer some advice on this crucial technique. I don't think I need to make a video in order to demonstrate this particular problem, even if I knew how to!
Bumblebee perfectly makes sense in the measures 15 through 18 which I didn't get the rhythm right until now. You are amazing!
I just hope this is not taking too much of your time away from your family. Zoo, Disney land, romantic dinner and stuff... If there is anything I can help to save some of your time, please let me know. I really mean it.
Hugh, I forgot to mention, I live in LA so I know there isn't much I can do, like babysitting I would if you are close enough, but anything I can do with my computer or something with the piano, just any little help will make me feel better. Thanks. (I am not working right now, I work on project basis, so this is your chance!)
Now we add the left hand, noting that much of it uses the same notes. Also note how both hands are moving relatively parallel when put together. We also anticipate a potential practice problem that might create some "rhythmic roadblocks" - stay tuned for the next lesson, where I'll help you overcome/prevent them with some advanced practice and memorization techniques.
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