J.S.Bach Two Part Inventions piano solo (or harpsichord)

I have been playing the Bach 2 part Inventions, #4 and #8, using them as warm ups. I play them through with the metronome, and repeat at least 5 times before stopping and stretching. If the tempo is comfortable, the repetitions help to concentrate on getting centered. It helps to exaggerate the big arm down motion, so that the whole arm weight drops into the keys. I keep checking this to make sure I don’t get a knotted shoulder!

I got carried away playing last night, but sure must have been tensing my shoulders. All night my shoulders and upper back were tied in knots. I remembered a warm up I used to do: making big figure 8’s with the entire arm, rolling from the shoulders. I’ve been doing them this morning, will have to make them a routine. I remember playing in a Hotel that had the piano situated in a draft, actually a howling gale straight from outside!! I wore a sweat shirt under my tux to keep from freezing, and developed the worst stiff back I have ever had. play piano

I realized that i needed to start back with some basics. It is so much fun to be playing for just my own enjoyment, there is no pressure to learn some new inane pop hit to keep the customers satisfied! I went and bought a new metronome. I have one packed away that I have owned since childhood, but I remember that it sped up and slowed down. Also, not sure which box in which closet it is packed in! I started playing Bach’s 2 Part Invention #8, with the metronome set at 54 to a quarter note. (There were a few spots I had to go over to get the notes.) It was very satisfying. After 5 times through the piece, I was feeling much more in control. The repetition with the steady pulse from the metronome was very centering. The scrambled, frantic energy is gone.

After more than 5 years without a piano, I now have a brand new Steigerman Piano! I am surprised at how I can still play, but I am not making a good sound and my hands feel stiff. I played through some Chopin Waltzes, the C# Minor, Opus 64 No. 2 and the D flat “Minute” Waltz. I can play all the notes, but my playing feels scrambled and uneven. I don’t feel in control of my playing, and don’t like the sound I am making. The sound is not full, but harsh and brittle. I remember that when I used to play, I felt in control, centered, and there was no struggle to get the notes. I will think of how to find that. play piano