New Video Lesson Series by Graham Fitch
Following on from the first instalment, this blog post features excerpts from Graham Fitch’s new video series on the next nine pieces (Nos. 10 – 18) of the first part of Schumann’s Album for the Young.
No. 10 – Fröhlicher Landmann (The Happy Farmer)
This piece depicts a cheerful farmer returning from work to a hearty meal with his family. It features a whistling tune mimicking a dog’s playful bark, wide intervals and a lively, chirpy accompaniment. The dynamic use of forte and careful articulation in both hands enriches the melody, enhancing the farmer’s spirited journey back home.
No. 12 – Knecht Ruprecht (Knight Rupert)
Knight Rupert is a character from German folklore akin to a less amiable version of Saint Nicholas. Known for punishing naughty children with coal, Rupert’s presence is felt each December 6th, as he decides if children have been good or bad. Schumann’s composition reflects this duality with emphatic, accented notes and dynamic contrasts. The piece challenges pianists with its strong rhythms and expressive demands, embodying Rupert’s stern yet fair demeanour!
No. 14 – Kleine Studie (Little Etude)
This piece is effectively a study in pedalling and in this preview from his video lesson, Graham discusses the evolution from Schumann’s antiquated pedaling notation to Clara Schumann’s modern legato pedaling, which enhances smooth transitions and avoids harmonic blurring. The full video goes on to demonstrate proper timing for pedal release, tips for practising without the pedal for clarity, chord identification and dynamic control.
No. 16 – Erster Verlust (First Loss)
Composed in memory of a family pet bird that died after eating marrow dumplings, this piece reflects the sorrow of a child’s first experience with loss through delicate, expressive phrases. Careful control of sound and imaginative interpretation are required to capture the emotional depth of the music, with a dialogue between the hands conveying a sense of sadness and remembrance. A brief modulation and moments of intensity highlight the profound but simple beauty of this work.
The video lessons for all eighteen works in the first part of Album for the Young are now available on the Online Academy. Click here to view the introductory video for the series or here for links to the video lessons.
These video lessons along with hundreds of others are all included with an Online Academy subscription and can be accessed by signing-in to your account if you have an active subscription. Click here if you are not a subscriber and would like to find out more or if you are not ready to subscribe, these videos are also available for once-off purchase from our store.
Other Didactic Works
The following are some further links to video lessons for additional didactic works that are both delightful to play and excellent for developing pianistic skills:
- Burgmüller – 25 Easy and Progressive Etudes, Op. 100
- S. Heller – Prelude in C# Minor (No. 10 from 24 Preludes, Op. 81)
- Tchaikovsky – La nouvelle poupée (No. 6 from Album pour enfants, Op. 39)
- Tchaikovsky – Douce rêverie (No. 21 from Album pour enfants, Op. 39)
- Inside Bartok’s Mikrokosmos
- JS Bach – Invention No. 4 in D Minor, BWV 775
Have a look at our Pieces to Play series for more repertoire ideas or click here to view a listing of our full collection of resources for the piano repertoire!