Lora Deahl and Brenda Wristen
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- November 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190616847
- eISBN:
- 9780190616878
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190616847.003.0002
- Subject:
- Music, Performing Practice/Studies
Several scientific disciplines have contributed to a better understanding of how humans best accomplish tasks. Chapter 2 considers basic axioms and laws from the fields of ergonomics, physics, and ...
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Several scientific disciplines have contributed to a better understanding of how humans best accomplish tasks. Chapter 2 considers basic axioms and laws from the fields of ergonomics, physics, and biomechanics that impact piano technique. The chapter explores the anatomical design and function of the playing apparatus in language that is accessible to a wide audience. These observations represent powerful lenses through which the work of piano playing may be viewed because they are applicable to all pianists. Through identification and discussion of these tenets, this chapter aims to establish a foundation for understanding general physical and anatomical principles of effective and healthy movement so that the challenges of small-handedness can be clearly analyzed.Less
Several scientific disciplines have contributed to a better understanding of how humans best accomplish tasks. Chapter 2 considers basic axioms and laws from the fields of ergonomics, physics, and biomechanics that impact piano technique. The chapter explores the anatomical design and function of the playing apparatus in language that is accessible to a wide audience. These observations represent powerful lenses through which the work of piano playing may be viewed because they are applicable to all pianists. Through identification and discussion of these tenets, this chapter aims to establish a foundation for understanding general physical and anatomical principles of effective and healthy movement so that the challenges of small-handedness can be clearly analyzed.
Boris Berman
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- March 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780190670764
- eISBN:
- 9780190670801
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190670764.003.0018
- Subject:
- Music, History, Western
Across Prokofiev’s oeuvre, his piano works—and especially his piano concertos—hold a special place. A consummate pianist, he realized early on that, among various performers, he himself was the most ...
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Across Prokofiev’s oeuvre, his piano works—and especially his piano concertos—hold a special place. A consummate pianist, he realized early on that, among various performers, he himself was the most persuasive advocate for his music. His appearances as a pianist were opportunities to present his compositions to various international audiences. Each of the piano concertos was a harbinger of important stylistic shifts in the composer’s output in general, and his piano music in particular. This chapter examines each of these works separately, looking into the circumstances of their creation, as well as the changes in Prokofiev’s style demonstrated by each of them. It explores the peculiarities of his writing for piano and the challenges it presents to the performer. By also looking into the changes in Prokofiev’s approach to the instrument as revealed in each concerto, it offers some practical solutions that may be helpful to pianists.Less
Across Prokofiev’s oeuvre, his piano works—and especially his piano concertos—hold a special place. A consummate pianist, he realized early on that, among various performers, he himself was the most persuasive advocate for his music. His appearances as a pianist were opportunities to present his compositions to various international audiences. Each of the piano concertos was a harbinger of important stylistic shifts in the composer’s output in general, and his piano music in particular. This chapter examines each of these works separately, looking into the circumstances of their creation, as well as the changes in Prokofiev’s style demonstrated by each of them. It explores the peculiarities of his writing for piano and the challenges it presents to the performer. By also looking into the changes in Prokofiev’s approach to the instrument as revealed in each concerto, it offers some practical solutions that may be helpful to pianists.
Lora Deahl and Brenda Wristen
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- November 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190616847
- eISBN:
- 9780190616878
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190616847.001.0001
- Subject:
- Music, Performing Practice/Studies
Adaptive Strategies for Small-Handed Pianists brings together information from ergonomics, physics, biomechanics, anatomy, medicine, and piano pedagogy to focus on the subject of small-handedness. ...
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Adaptive Strategies for Small-Handed Pianists brings together information from ergonomics, physics, biomechanics, anatomy, medicine, and piano pedagogy to focus on the subject of small-handedness. Chapter 1 presents an overview from historical, anatomical, and pedagogical perspectives and includes a discussion of small-handedness as a risk factor for piano-related injury. Chapter 2 establishes a basic understanding of work efficiency and the human anatomy, moves on to general observations about piano playing and the constraints of physics, and explains the principles of healthy movement at the piano. Chapter 3 is a focused analysis of piano technique as it relates to small-handedness. Chapters 4 to 7 deal with specific alternative approaches: redistribution, refingering, ways to maximize reach and power, and musical solutions for technical problems. Hundreds of examples taken from the standard intermediate and advanced piano literature show concrete applications of these strategies within appropriate musical contexts. Chapter 8 presents tables that pianists can use to diagnose and resolve commonly encountered problems and synthesizes the adaptive approaches outlined in the book. Reflective application points are provided as guides to further exploration. The book demonstrates that the specific physical and musical needs of the small-handed can be addressed in sensitive and appropriate ways and illuminates alternative paths to help pianists with small hands reach their musical goals.Less
Adaptive Strategies for Small-Handed Pianists brings together information from ergonomics, physics, biomechanics, anatomy, medicine, and piano pedagogy to focus on the subject of small-handedness. Chapter 1 presents an overview from historical, anatomical, and pedagogical perspectives and includes a discussion of small-handedness as a risk factor for piano-related injury. Chapter 2 establishes a basic understanding of work efficiency and the human anatomy, moves on to general observations about piano playing and the constraints of physics, and explains the principles of healthy movement at the piano. Chapter 3 is a focused analysis of piano technique as it relates to small-handedness. Chapters 4 to 7 deal with specific alternative approaches: redistribution, refingering, ways to maximize reach and power, and musical solutions for technical problems. Hundreds of examples taken from the standard intermediate and advanced piano literature show concrete applications of these strategies within appropriate musical contexts. Chapter 8 presents tables that pianists can use to diagnose and resolve commonly encountered problems and synthesizes the adaptive approaches outlined in the book. Reflective application points are provided as guides to further exploration. The book demonstrates that the specific physical and musical needs of the small-handed can be addressed in sensitive and appropriate ways and illuminates alternative paths to help pianists with small hands reach their musical goals.
