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HomeLearning PiecesRhythm, Pedalling, Debussy & Mozart

Rhythm, Pedalling, Debussy & Mozart

By Informance, 2022-11-17 Posted in: Learning Pieces, Practising

In this month’s Practice Clinic, Graham Fitch answers questions on problems with rhythm, practising without the pedal, a sonata by Mozart and Debussy’s Arabesque No. 2.

Debussy Arabesque No. 2
Debussy’s Arabesque No. 2

Practice clinic questions

Practising without the pedal – Why is it good to practise a piece (that requires pedal) without the pedal?

Mozart Sonata in A, K331 (1st mvt) – This piece is on the new ABRSM 2023 & 24 grade 8 syllabus and some guidance on phrasing and pedalling in the Andante and variation 4 would be really appreciated!

Problems with Rhythm – Almost every piece I work on I have trouble with the rhythm. It’s not consistent throughout the piece or it’s just wrong. I don’t think I hear / feel the internal beat and struggle particularly when playing triplets. I’ve used the metronome, but my teacher says I don’t stay on the beat and I count out aloud when playing but nothing seems to help. What can I do to fix this? Even tried tapping with one hand. Almost six years is a long time to still be dealing with this. Help!

Debussy Arabesque No. 2 – I’m working on this piece and struggle with the section from bar 38 – specifically how to play the staccato notes when it appears that pedal is needed. Any advice on how to lighten my touch at the beginning would also be appreciated.

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Tags: DebussyDebussy ArabesqueGrade 8Mozartmozart K331practice clinicrhythmrhythm felt physicallyrhythms

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