EDELSON

LESSON PAGE. EDELSON

Sept 13
Stay with Chopin Eb until you return from the trip. No new material yet

Scale, Arpeggio, Chord and Cadence practice

Include in practice:

Scales and arpeggios of the key signature you are using in the pieces.

Diminished chords

Reminder: Diminished chords are a chain of minor thirds. C - Eb - Gb - A
There are only three diminished chords:
C - Eb - Gb - A // C# - E - G - A# // D - F - Ab - B
Remember that diminished chords can be inverted and become another note's diminished chord

BOOK OF SCALES
File Size:	2414 kb
File Type:	pdf

CLASSICAL / ORIGINAL WORKS

NEW: CHOPIN. Nocturne Op.9 Nr2 in Eb Major

Sept 13
Strategies for flow:
1- LH Play bass and 1st chord only. Ignore the second chord till later.

2- Efficient jumping of the bass to the chord, reduce jumping to the minimum possible. Think if the best fingering for that.

CHOPIN NOCTURNE Op9 Nr2 EbM
File Size:	1020 kb
File Type:	pdf

NEW: CHOPIN. Nocturne Op.55 Nr1 in Fm and Nr2 in Eb Major

Technically not difficult to read or to play, plus they don't have the improvisatory passages in 16th notes that the other more complex Nocturnes have.
They are not among the famous nocturnes, but still I think you will enjoy them since they are more accessible to play.

CHOPIN NOCTURNE Op55 Nr1 and Nr2
File Size:	554 kb
File Type:	pdf

This PDF includes two pieces:
Op55 Nr1
Op55 Nr2

NEW: CHOPIN. Nocturne Op.27 Nr2 in Db Major

This is a beautiful piece, but difficult to read because of the flats.
Take it slowly and play the Db Major scale and arpeggios a few times before reading through, to put you in the harmonic context of the piece.

CHOPIN NOCTURNE Op27 Nr2 EbM
File Size:	2214 kb
File Type:	pdf

NEW: CHOPIN. Nocturne Nr18 in C minor

Very little known, this prelude is discrete and not too difficult.
After the theme has been played, Chopin starts adding his improvisatory touches, which make the piece more difficult to read, but remember, those notes are ornamental, they are like a jazz improvisation. If you have difficulty playing them at first, practice the main core of the piece and later focus on getting the notes for the improvisatory portions.

CHOPIN NOCTURNE Nr18 Cm
File Size:	349 kb
File Type:	pdf

NEW: EDWARD GRIEG. Elegie Op38 Nr6

grieg_elegie_op38_nr6.pdf
File Size:	434 kb
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IN PROGRESS: JOHN FIELD. Nocturne in B flat Major

field_nocturne_bb_major.pdf
File Size:	936 kb
File Type:	pdf

August 23
Get familiar with the three diminished chords because they will appear in this composition, mostly in the accompaniment.

Click on the picture to enlarge --->

Practically the entire piece is presented on the first page. The second page is the same, but with improvisatory variation on the theme from the first page. Therefore, learning the first page with confidence, especially the LH, will give you an upper hand on preparing the second page with minimal effort.

Insisting on my point of always making an effort to identify chords, here is another example that can be applied to most of the measure in this piece:

Click on the picture to enlarge --->

MENDELSSOHN. Songs without Words

MENDELSSOHN op-19_nr.4 A Major
File Size:	1028 kb
File Type:	pdf

MENDELSSOHN op-19_nr.6 G minor
File Size:	1483 kb
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MENDELSSOHN op-30_nr.3 E Major
File Size:	963 kb
File Type:	pdf

MENDELSSOHN op-30_nr.6 F# minor
File Size:	1526 kb
File Type:	pdf

MENDELSSOHN op-53_nr.1 Ab Major
File Size:	3069 kb
File Type:	pdf

MENDELSSOHN op-102_nr.4 G minor (sighing wind)
File Size:	1966 kb
File Type:	pdf

August 23
MENDELSSOHN Nr. 102 Sighing Wind PASSED
Intro: LH E is not natural but flat. Same is the case for line 3 measure 1-2
Keep inner notes light, and at a lower volume level than the melody notes, especially RH fingers 2-1
Last measure of the first page: review the notes, and remember to Db repeating. They are all flat.
Nice job at the cadenza (page 2, first line) played with flow.
Page 2, line . Many of the notes need review. It would help practicing the notes as full blocking's chords rather than playing them individually. Labeling helps also if you are familiar with the chords they represent.

CHOPIN. Ballade Nr.1 in G minor

chopin-op23-ballade-1_gm.pdf
File Size:	439 kb
File Type:	pdf

SCHUBERT. Impromptu Op. 142 Nr.3 in B-flat

imslp67286-pmlp02063-schubimprop142no3r.pdf
File Size:	3708 kb
File Type:	pdf

SCHUBERT. Impromptu Op. 142 Nr.2 in A-flat

imslp67279-pmlp02063-schubimprtop142no2.pdf
File Size:	1748 kb
File Type:	pdf

BEETHOVEN. Pathetique Sonata (2nd mov)

henle_urtex_beethoven_pathetique_sonatas-vol1.pdf
File Size:	1095 kb
File Type:	pdf

CURRENTLY: BEETHOVEN. Moonlight Sonata. First movement

MOONLIGHT score
File Size:	1277 kb
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MOONLIGHT synthesis
File Size:	39 kb
File Type:	pdf

JAZZ / POPULAR

Real Book and list of songs in gradual complexity by key signature.

November 30
Watch the video on the right margin to go over the concepts

Here is a chart of the strategy for arranging the songs with the LH

STEP 1
Clean 8vas for everything
STEP 2
Clean 8vas for 1/2 measures
1 - 8 - 3+5 - 8 for full measures
STEP 3
1 - 3 - 8 played as bass + chord (bass would be 1, chord would be 3+5)
STEP 4
1 - 3 - 7 played as a block, or played as bass + chord (bass would be 1, chord would be 3+7)

I COULD WRITE A BOOK
NOVEMBER 9
Recording received by email.
Good job playing the LH as octaves, Richard. I hear flow and I hear that the song is very much recognizable because the speed is fast enough to carry-on.

Next step: watch the video above this paragraph and start also arranging the chords as 1-3-7.
Then playing them as blocks, followed by breaking them as bass-chord. (See video above)

REAL-BOOK
File Size:	57002 kb
File Type:	pdf

FAKE-BOOK
File Size:	40185 kb
File Type:	pdf

Assignment in C Major

***A fine romance. 3
Alice in wonderland. 12
All of me. 16
Bewitched. 43
Black Orpheus. 49
***Don't get around much anymore. 126
Easy to love. 130
Green dolphin street. 179
***I could write a book. 209
*Night and day. 320
Satin doll. 367
Take the “A” Train. 421

I'VE GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO YOUR FACE

October 5
today we talked about practicing the LH over and over playing the bass+chord to get the motion automatic, and the jumps memorized.

Avoid playing the chord using finger #5 whenever possible, so the jump is shorter.

Then apply the melody to the bass+chord you just practiced.

I'VE GROWN example bass-chord
File Size:	694 kb
File Type:	m4a

HOW ARE THINGS IN GLOCCA MORRA

10/27
Many of the G-minor chords needed the B-flat. Attention to B-flats in general.
Also B-flats in C7 chords.
Ok not to be counting obsessively on this song. It can be flexible and relaxed. Same when you are trying to fit arpeggios on the LH.

HOW ARE THINGS IN GLOCCA MORRA
File Size:	1530 kb
File Type:	mp3

HOW ARE THINGS IN GLOCCA MORRA Exercise
File Size:	53 kb
File Type:	pdf

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

9/29
Excellent application of the bass-chords for the entire song.

9/21 UPDATE

I have created this exercise for you to practice the application of bass+chords to "Getting to Know You" following the steps:

1- Just play melody on the RH and block chords on the LH
2- LH now will break the block chords into bass + chord. No octave lower necessary. As simple as possible
3- LH now will alternate in the bass the -I- and the -V- to bring more variety to the bass line.

All these examples are included in the score here on the right margin.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU chart
File Size:	1994 kb
File Type:	jpg

GETTING TO KNOW YOU exercise
File Size:	71 kb
File Type:	pdf

AS TIME GOES BY

6/9/2020 LESSON NOTES:
Much better flow in the melody than before.
The second section still needs more clarity. The chords are not very clear. Better definition between bass/chords.

AS TIME GOES BY -The Real Book
File Size:	107 kb
File Type:	pdf

Explanation on how to practice building gradual bridges over the pause.

PIECES ALREADY WORKED ON:

SCHUMANN Selected numbers from Carnaval
SCHUMANN: Scenes of Childhood 1 - 7 - 12 - 13
GRANADOS Danza Nr. 5
ALBENIZ Granada
GABRIEL'S PIECES Flowing River, Gentle Rain, Underwater
BACH Prelude Nr 1 WTC 1
BEETHOVEN Moonlight Sonata. First movement
CHOPIN Prelude Op 28 #4 E minor
MOZART. Fantasia in D minor
BRAHMS. Waltz Op 39 Nr. 15 in A-flat Major
MOZART. SONATA IN A MAJOR. THEME AND VARIATIONS/Rondo Alla Turca
SATIE. GYMNOPEDIE in G Major
GNOSSIENNE in A minor
GERSHWIN. PRELUDE #2
DEBUSSY. REVERIE
CHOPIN. WALTZ IN A minor

SUITE ESPAÑOLA. Granada. Blank score
File Size:	4250 kb
File Type:	pdf

granados_playera___danza_espanola_op5_nr5.pdf
File Size:	232 kb
File Type:	pdf

CHOPIN: Prelude Op. 28 Nr. 4 in E minor
File Size:	80 kb
File Type:	pdf

bach-prelude-cmajor.pdf
File Size:	21380 kb
File Type:	pdf

BACH Prelude C Major WTC-1
File Size:	424 kb
File Type:	pdf

SCHUMANN Scenes of Childhood Op 15
File Size:	5323 kb
File Type:	pdf

schumann_carnaval_.pdf
File Size:	5203 kb
File Type:	pdf

FUTURE PIECES:

BEETHOVEN
2nd movement in D Major (I need to find the specific information about it)

SCHUMANN Scenes of Childhood Op 15
File Size:	5323 kb
File Type:	pdf

GERSHWIN. Intermediate arrangements

Score with selections:

gershwin_intermediate.pdf
File Size:	13627 kb
File Type:	pdf

Love Is Here to Stay

CLEMENTI Sonatinas Op. 36

12/8
Practice system to obtain flow.
See each element and section ad try to understand it not by individual notes, but by concept. LH may be playing a chord in some pattern, then learn it first as a chord, then play it as individual notes.

11/24
We will play Sonatina #2 (and if time allows, also number 1) at the next lesson

SONATINA NUMBER 1
First Movement
11/10
The notes are well read. the rhythm is good. The pulse needs work.

Since this piece is not difficult to play and well within your technical range, let's focus on obtaining a very steady count and a precise sense of rhythm.

Then we will be differentiating the layers that have the melody, accompaniment, and when those layers cross over from the RH to the LH, we bring the melody out.

Second Movement
Attention to B-flats!
Very clear format of accompanied melody. There needs to be a clear difference in sound from the melody and the LH broken chord patterns.
This is a relatively slow movement, easy to play it despite the goal for the final tempo.

Third Movement
This is a fast one, which means that you need to learn the RH melody very well before adding the LH because there will be little time to think.
When you add the LH, it is more efficient to add it as chords. You learn it faster, you understand it better, and your fingers will be in position, so it will be more efficient.
Attention to this counting:

CLEMENTI Op.36 complete sonatinas
File Size:	3636 kb
File Type:	pdf

In general this piece is going to be easy for you to play.

Next lesson I would like to see how much closer you can get to the ideal steady pulse, more balance and differentiation between the hands, and continuity without the pauses, or a very minimum number of pauses.

Priority: INNOCENCE by F. Burgmuller

2/2
Not seen at our lesson yet. We will see it next lesson.

12/16
Not difficult to prepare but very beautiful. I recorded it for you so you can listen as you learn the notes.

burgmuller_etudes._innocence.pdf
File Size:	272 kb
File Type:	pdf

Next lesson: ARIETTA Op12 by E. Grieg

2/2
First line:
Let's start by learning ONLY the melody with the RH, not including any of the harmony notes.
Then, let's learn the LH by itself as written.
When putting hands together, do it this way:
RH plays the melody ONLY
LH plays everything assigned to the LH.
After that you can then add all the notes to the RH and learn it separately.

Then repeat with the second line, and further lines but keeping it in small sections.

grieg_arietta_op12.pdf
File Size:	421 kb
File Type:	pdf

In general there are many notes that need to be marked on the score, especially flats that are missed. Any time you hear something that sounds like it could be wrong, mark it.

Next lesson: WALTZ Op12 by E. Grieg

2/2
We will see this one at our next lesson and pass it if it is completed.

1/5
Good job with the LH. Finger #3 works as pivot so your hand can tilt from the bass to the chord easily.

Bass chord chord: down up, up swinging from left to right smoothly

The notes are generally not difficult to play and you did a god job reading through them. Now you can focus on obtaining a balance between the hands so that LH is much lighter, softer and discrete, so the RH can sing without effort.

On page 2, make sure that the RH does't intrude on the sound of the LH. The LH is now leading and has the principal melody.
Counting could be better. Your RH quarter notes sound too impatient and they easily become 8th notes. Keep them lined up in the beat.

Return of the theme. Attention to m. 62+63. Notice the common notes and focus your reading effort to the changing notes.

grieg_waltz_op12.pdf
File Size:	782 kb
File Type:	pdf

WALTZ OF THE FLOWERS from Nutcracker -Tchaikovsky-

2/2
Skipped measures happened again. Watch out for these measures:

2/2 continued...

Some other measures skipped as well. That could be happening because of looking up and down the score. To keep that from happening you could learn the melody with the RH alone first for a small section. After the melody id easy to play with one hand, add the LH. At that point, since you now now the RH well, you will not skip measures because your ear knows what note comes next and knows the entire phrase as a unit.

Also, a piece this long is better to break it into sections rather than playing the complete thing as one unit.

Ways to practice this in a progressive manner:
RH as written, but accompanied by the LH playing only the bass notes without the chords.

waltz_of_the_flowers.pdf
File Size:	2669 kb
File Type:	pdf

FREDERIC MOMPOU. Canción y Danza (Only the Canción portion)
Nrs 6, 7 and 8

3/16
Canción Nr. 8
last line LH bass clef
page 2 top line. m3 I could not recognize the notes you were playing on the RH
Simplifying is a very effective way to learn pieces, [;saying first the layers that carry the melody and bass, then adding the layers that carry the harmony and inner notes.

I feel you may have been practicing this piece playing everything at all times. It is not necessary and also not very effective as a way to memorize the structure of the piece as you learn it.

MOMPOU Cancion 6, 7
File Size:	1780 kb
File Type:	pdf

MOMPOU Cancion 8
File Size:	1577 kb
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ENRIQUE GRANADOS. Vals Noble 1 through 6.

SELECTION GRANADOS "VALSES POETICOS"
File Size:	1234 kb
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BACH from Well-Tempered Klavier Vol.1
Prelude #9 in E Major

bach_prelude_9_in_e_major.pdf
File Size:	213 kb
File Type:	pdf

McDOWELL to a Wild Rose

to_a_wild_rose.pdf
File Size:	79 kb
File Type:	pdf

French Suite in G Major Nr.5 by Bach

bach_french_suite_5_g_-bwv_816.pdf
File Size:	717 kb
File Type:	pdf

CHOPIN: Mazurka in A minor, Op. 67, No. 4 (Posthumous)

chopin_mazurkas_op_67_4.pdf
File Size:	389 kb
File Type:	pdf

LISTZ. Consolation No. 3

listz_consolations_-ricordi-.pdf
File Size:	7036 kb
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listz_grb_notes.pdf
File Size:	5974 kb
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AWAY

A piece by Gabriel with a lighter harmony and clear melody

SERENITY

A calm piece that sounds more cinematic

GABRIEL RUIZ-BERNAL "Away"
File Size:	360 kb
File Type:	pdf

GABRIEL RUIZ-BERNAL "Serenity"
File Size:	350 kb
File Type:	pdf

INNOCENCE by F. Burgmuller

burgmuller_etudes._innocence.pdf
File Size:	272 kb
File Type:	pdf

PASTORALE by F. Burgmuller

burgmuller_etudes._pastorale.pdf
File Size:	339 kb
File Type:	pdf

Nocturne in C minor Nr.20, KK. IVb by Chopin

chopin-op28_prelude_c_minor.pdf
File Size:	743 kb
File Type:	pdf