1. The objectives of this site
1.1. Some extracts of numerous remarkable works about piano techniques are a little too subjective. They often describe the movements of the pianist’s hand in an incomplete manner or, on the contrary, too scientifically, and thus little communicative.
This question is repeatedly raised in many emails I receive from young pianists and will certainly be asked many more times.
Phone: open this video in a new window.
Preliminary information: Neuhaus’ bridge and crane and How to easily obtain “the bridge”
A good and stable piano technique requires, above all, very strong fingers and the ability to properly manage the weight of the Motor Apparatus. As part of this chapter we will see how to strengthen the fingers through gymnastics without the piano.
1. Try playing the trill above using the two different finger positions A and B: (the photo B is visible under the cursor or in animation):
Computer: move the cursor over the image.
Phone: open the animation.
1. I unhesitatingly answer the question in the title: not only can one play with a tense hand, but it is even a must!
1.1. But only if you tense it in an intelligent and efficient manner - first of all, not permanently, but selectively (i.e. contracting only certain muscles) and by impulses. In other words, while playing, the hand should be both a little contracted and a little relaxed.
1.2. The hand and arm totally relaxed, inert can only be called a few kilos of muscles around a few bones and as such cannot accomplish any task, even the simplest. Consequently, it is impossible to play the piano in this manner. The rule, taught to students for over two hundred years, according to which one must play with a relaxed hand, is not precise enough. It may lead to confusion, and that is what unfortunately happens very frequently!
This chapter will be re-edited and translated.
Here is its initial French version.
Phone: open this video in a new window.
