Taught by renowned pianist
Rebecca Penneys
In this lesson, American pianist Rebecca Penneys guides you Chopin’s Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 34 No. 1. First, you will learn the basic steps of a waltz and discover the importance of the first beat, which carries the most weight in this triple-meter dance style. Next, Penneys will teach you how to shift your upper body while maintaining your balance at the piano bench. Developing this kind of lateral movement will help you to navigate the various leaps that occur throughout this piece and many other waltzes. <br><br>Many of Chopin’s piano works require fast fingers, and this waltz is no exception. Dead weight inhibits your dexterity, and Penneys encourages you to beware of your fingers when they aren’t playing notes. Your thumb and pinky, for instance, are your hand’s “training wheels,” and if either sticks out or is left unattended to, you risk your agility. Finally, Penneys teaches you how to execute fast repeated notes in the context of dotted rhythms, which appear throughout this work and many other waltzes, mazurkas, and polonaises.
Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 34 No. 1
In this lesson, American pianist Rebecca Penneys guides you Chopin’s Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 34 No. 1. First, you will learn the basic steps of a waltz and discover the importance of the first beat, which carries the most weight in this triple-meter dance style. Next, Penneys will teach you how to shift your upper body while maintaining your balance at the piano bench. Developing this kind of lateral movement will help you to navigate the various leaps that occur throughout this piece and many other waltzes.
Many of Chopin’s piano works require fast fingers, and this waltz is no exception. Dead weight inhibits your dexterity, and Penneys encourages you to beware of your fingers when they aren’t playing notes. Your thumb and pinky, for instance, are your hand’s “training wheels,” and if either sticks out or is left unattended to, you risk your agility. Finally, Penneys teaches you how to execute fast repeated notes in the context of dotted rhythms, which appear throughout this work and many other waltzes, mazurkas, and polonaises.
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Unlock Course →Professor Emeritus at the Eastman School of Music, Rebecca Penneys is a recitalist, chamber musician, orchestral soloist, educator, and adjudicator, known for her unique pianistic vision.
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