<![CDATA[Untangling hands and subduing AFTER beats in Robert Schumann’s music]]>When a pianist tackles a piece like “Am Kamin,” (“At the Fireplace”) from Schumann’s signature childhood reminiscence, Kinderszenen, he/she must artfully navigate the musical terrain, avoiding hand pile-ups and after-beat pounding.

A gorgeous Romantic era, lyrical melody that threads though this tableau can be at risk– easily interrupted or jarred by offbeats that contain parcels of harmonic enrichment. They are not meant to offset horizontal movement of phrases.

On a technical level, overlapping hands and fingers sharing common notes between the hands, pose a second significant challenge to the piano learner.

He must decide after considerable separate hand practice what fingers of either hand can ease the burden of a joint undertaking by taking singular responsibility. (Where it applies)

Am Kamin

And that’s how my video tutorial evolved– from a personal, painstaking journey to AVOID pain and obtain the most pleasurable learning and playing experience possible.

]]>