PIANOFORTE PLAYING.

Observer, Volume XI, Issue 717, 24 September 1892, Page 19

PIANOFORTE PLAYING.

(By W. H. Webbe.)

(Continued.)

POSITION OF THE PLAYER,

The player should be seated near the centre of the keyboard, and at such a distance that the hands can conveniently reach the extreme upper and lower notes. The arms should be kept in an easy position, close to the sides, with the elbows almost level with the keys. The player should sit erect and keep both feet just under pedals when not using them, avoiding all unnecessary movements of either head, body, arms or legs. The hands should be kept in an easy position over the notes, and the knuckles should neither be bent inwards nor raised. The fingers should be rounded, so that the notes should be played with the tips of the fingers ; the nails should be kept short, and not permitted to touch the keys. TOUCH. It must be remembered that the hammer in the action of the piano responds in like manner on the string to the touch given to the key itself by the player's fingers. When anyone renders a piece of music satisfactorily, it is frequently remarked ' What a nice touch that player has !' It is so, because there has been care and time bestowed upon working up the details of that piece, and also in consequence of the player being gifted with a natural musical feeling. Touch is of two distinct kinds : — (1) Legato, smooth and connected touch. (2) Staccato, detached or light touch. There is a touch between the legato and staccato which is termed Portamento. To explain this touch easily to the pupil, the teacher could put it that portamento touch implies legato ■ touch with a little staccato thrown in. Both the legato and staccato touch may be divided into three kinds : — (1) Brilliant-touch for rapid passages. (2) Melody- touch. (3} Accompaniment-touch. (To he continued.)