GREAT PIANISTS - Part 1

F. Chopin and F. Liszt

If Frederic Francois Chopin is considered the most romantic composer and poet of the piano music world, Franz Liszt is regarded as the greatest pianist of all time. He is one of the most awe-inspiring figures in all of music history, a genius, unique, and very imaginative. Most of his piano compositions are considered unique, inspiring, and innovative. His music evoked deep psychological and emotional impact, opening new dimensions in sound, and the human psyche.

Liszt was the first and true inventor of impressionism and atonal music. He was the first to fully orchestrate on the piano, utilizing all its undiscovered resources. Most importantly, he altered the course of music history.

To understand his works is to understand the true essence of piano playing.

PIANO MUSIC - Part 2

PRACTICE…. PRACTICCCEEE…. PRACTICCCCEEEE!!!

The road to virtuosity is long and hard, demanding not only a high degree of inborn talent, but also the ability and desire to devote many hours a day to soul-searching practice and study.

If you are playing the piano purely for your own pleasure, careful practice is still essential if you wish to make real progress; but when music is a part-time creative activity, practice will necessarily be on a more limited scale. Even short periods of aimless practice may, instead of proving beneficial, serve only to develop and perpetuate faults. Therefore, properly directed practice is of first importance and can transform periods of drudgery into periods of enlightenment.

“Think ten times and play once”. Concentration, interest, observation and listening are the essential ingredients of worthwhile practice.

From our piano mentor, Mr. King Palmer.