Rediscovering the piano technique of 1827

[Chaszz]

An accomplished pianist sets out to re-learn how to play the piano as it was played in the days of Mozart and Beethoven, using a treatise by Hummel and other teaching works.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/21/sc...pgtype=article

[Decrepit Poster]

Most interesting, even for a non pianist such as myself. As demonstrated, I hear differences in execution that favor the old technique. It's not a sound I associate with Beethoven, or rather how I envision Beethoven would interpret his own music. That said, I can see this being how others might approach it back in the day. Too, I watched the video soon after having heard Brautigam's Beethoven during lunch. Hummel was bound to seem prime and proper in comparison.

[AeolianHarp]

Thanks- just clicked on it, will read in a bit- right up my street this is...

[AeolianHarp]

Most interesting, even for a non pianist such as myself. As demonstrated, I hear differences in execution that favor the old technique. It's not a sound I associate with Beethoven, or rather how I envision Beethoven would interpret his own music. That said, I can see this being how others might approach it back in the day. Too, I watched the video soon after having heard Brautigam's Beethoven during lunch. Hummel was bound to seem prim and proper in comparison.

This is what Carl Czerny had to say:

"His attitude in playing was masterly in its tranquillity and refinement, without the slightest gesticulation (except bending over as his deafness increased) : his fingers were very strong, not long, and broadened at the tips by much playing."


https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=...0style&f=false