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KC5 Octaves

The lesson on choreographing octaves by Seymour Bernstein emphasizes the importance of finger positioning when playing octaves on the piano, suggesting the use of fingers 1 and 5 while considering personal hand size for optimal comfort. It also highlights the need to maintain relaxed shoulders to enhance musical expression and avoid tension. Overall, the document provides practical tips for improving octave playing technique.

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Jefferson Guedes Oliveira
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9 views1 page

KC5 Octaves

The lesson on choreographing octaves by Seymour Bernstein emphasizes the importance of finger positioning when playing octaves on the piano, suggesting the use of fingers 1 and 5 while considering personal hand size for optimal comfort. It also highlights the need to maintain relaxed shoulders to enhance musical expression and avoid tension. Overall, the document provides practical tips for improving octave playing technique.

Uploaded by

Jefferson Guedes Oliveira
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LESSON SUPPLEMENT

CHOREOGRAPHING OCTAVES
WATCH THE LESSON
AT TONEBASE.CO

SEYMOUR BERNSTEIN – INSTRUCTOR

“An octave is actually a mold”.

Horowitz suggested fingering all octaves with 1


and 5, even on black keys. For lyrical playing,
this isn't the most musical option. However, in
much quicker octave passages like in Chopin's
"Heroic" Polonaise, it can be more convenient.

There are three ways that pianists hold 2, 3, and 4 while playing octaves with 1
and 5: all three can all be held together, just 3 and 4 together with 2 separated,
or finger 2 can be curved downward. Find the position that best suits your own
hand. If your hands are small, holding the fingers together isn't the best option.
Instead, spread out your fingers to maximize the stretch. Whatever you do,
don't change the position of these fingers as you play, or your octaves will be
sloppy.

Lower your shoulders, lift your spirits! After years of playing with high
shoulders, Bernstein discovered that he can play more passionately with his
shoulders down. In general, you should beware of shoulder tension at every
moment in your life. Whether you're stressed for an exam or watching a horror
movie, keep them loose and hanging from the shoulder sockets.

Watch the lesson at tonebase.co Bernstein 1

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