Taught by renowned pianist
Garrick Ohlsson
In this lesson, American pianist Garrick Ohlsson examines the biomechanics of Chopin’s First Étude in meticulous detail. Concentrating on the first couple bars, Ohlsson demonstrates methodically how to choreograph the hands to execute the first pattern. If you can learn to practice the opening, you will know how to practice the whole piece. <br><br>Ohlsson admits that there are spots that are particularly “diabolical." To master them, you must develop a technique he calls "relaxation into the future." Ohlsson stresses the importance of releasing the tension in your hand immediately after striking a note in order to be prepared for the next one. In a piece of music as virtuosic as this, you cannot afford to hang onto notes. Rather, Ohlsson encourages you to focus on the natural expansion and contraction of the hand as a means of traveling across the keyboard with flexibility and fluidity. <br><br>Though Ohlsson warns that the piece requires you to “train like an athlete,” the payoff is enduring: “an encyclopedic lifetime” of knowledge about how to use your hands deftly and efficiently.
Etude Op. 10 No. 1 in C Major
In this lesson, American pianist Garrick Ohlsson examines the biomechanics of Chopin’s First Étude in meticulous detail. Concentrating on the first couple bars, Ohlsson demonstrates methodically how to choreograph the hands to execute the first pattern. If you can learn to practice the opening, you will know how to practice the whole piece.
Ohlsson admits that there are spots that are particularly “diabolical." To master them, you must develop a technique he calls "relaxation into the future." Ohlsson stresses the importance of releasing the tension in your hand immediately after striking a note in order to be prepared for the next one. In a piece of music as virtuosic as this, you cannot afford to hang onto notes. Rather, Ohlsson encourages you to focus on the natural expansion and contraction of the hand as a means of traveling across the keyboard with flexibility and fluidity.
Though Ohlsson warns that the piece requires you to “train like an athlete,” the payoff is enduring: “an encyclopedic lifetime” of knowledge about how to use your hands deftly and efficiently.
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Unlock Course →Since his triumph as winner of the 1970 Chopin International Piano Competition, pianist Garrick Ohlsson has established himself worldwide as a musician of magisterial interpretive and technical prowess.
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