Taught by renowned instructor
Jeffrey Biegel
In this lesson, American pianist Jeffrey Biegel guides you through the technical challenges of Schumann’s Toccata in C Major, Op. 7. <br><br>First, you learn how to tackle double notes. Biegel advises you to loosen up your wrist and practice playing the top notes of these figures in a legato style and the bottom notes with a light, staccato touch. This will help you to ensure that your top notes, which are the most audible to the listener, sing. Biegel also challenges you to practice accenting the weak beats of double-note runs to ensure that they will not be lost in performance. To smooth out your runs, Biegel encourages you to use the “add a note” practice technique, which he demonstrates in detail. <br><br>You will also learn strategies for practicing the toccata’s contrapuntal passages. To strengthen the integrity of each voice, Biegel advises you to play them (especially the top voice) as legato as possible, so that they sound cohesive and independent. He also invites you to play through these dense, contrapuntal passages very slowly so that you can appreciate each voice, even singing along with those that you wish to bring out – your fingers, Biegel assures you, will listen!
Toccata in C Major, Op. 7
In this lesson, American pianist Jeffrey Biegel guides you through the technical challenges of Schumann’s Toccata in C Major, Op. 7.
First, you learn how to tackle double notes. Biegel advises you to loosen up your wrist and practice playing the top notes of these figures in a legato style and the bottom notes with a light, staccato touch. This will help you to ensure that your top notes, which are the most audible to the listener, sing. Biegel also challenges you to practice accenting the weak beats of double-note runs to ensure that they will not be lost in performance. To smooth out your runs, Biegel encourages you to use the “add a note” practice technique, which he demonstrates in detail.
You will also learn strategies for practicing the toccata’s contrapuntal passages. To strengthen the integrity of each voice, Biegel advises you to play them (especially the top voice) as legato as possible, so that they sound cohesive and independent. He also invites you to play through these dense, contrapuntal passages very slowly so that you can appreciate each voice, even singing along with those that you wish to bring out – your fingers, Biegel assures you, will listen!
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Unlock Course →An heir to the legacy of Josef Lhevinne and Adele Marcus, Jeffrey Biegel has garnered a reputation as a prolific pianist and sought-after teacher.
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