Weekend Competition: the winners…

Many thanks to all those who took part in my weekend competition. The prizes include five volumes of the Relax With Series of piano music edited by Samantha Ward and published by Schott Music.

The winners are:

Lisa Lewis wins Relax With Baroque Music

ADA wins Relax With Classical Piano Music

Antonina Lax wins Relax With Romantic Piano Music

Katherine Farr wins Relax With French Impressionist Piano Music

and, Ann Coleman wins Relax With Folk Piano Music

CONGRATULATIONS! Please send your addresses via the contact page on this blog and your book will be on its way.

For more information about each book, click here.

---

 

from Melanie Spanswick http://ift.tt/2uB9zND

Weekend Competition: Relax With…

The Relax With series is a relatively new collection of piano music books edited by British concert pianist Samantha Ward (published by Schott Music) and designed primarily to be played at home, simply for pleasure.

Selected for their relaxing qualities, the pieces in this volume range from well-known classics to delightful lesser-known gems. Featuring both original pieces and some arrangements, these books consist of volumes dedicated to the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods, as well as the French Impressionist composers and traditional music from around the world. The collections are of approximately late elementary to early advanced level, but a competent amateur pianist will have little difficulty in mastering the pieces.

‘Mindfulness’ has been a popular (even fashionable) topic in music (and other subjects) over the past couple of years, and these publications focus almost exclusively on this concept.

The books are beautifully appointed and printed (as might be expected of Schott), and each one contains a wide variety of repertoire within the context of the various titles. Whilst these books are no doubt a rewarding collection to learn, I feel they would also serve as excellent sight-reading material for the advanced player.

There are five books (pictured above) to giveaway this weekend to five lucky winners! So leave your comment in the comment box at the end of this post to be in with a chance of winning. Good luck!

To find out more about this series and to purchase books, click here.

---

 

from Melanie Spanswick http://ift.tt/2tSsekH

The Crest at Queen E Park – Availability, Prices, Plans

At a Glance

• central LIttle Mountain location
• 5-storey residential building
• maximum of 4 homes per floor
• 1-, 2 – 3-bedroom residences
• 9′ to 10′ ceiling heights
• walking distance to recreation, restaurants, shops
• LEED Gold certification goal

A Focus on Community
A boutique collection of 18 well-crafted residences are placed in a treasured Vancouver neighbourhood on an idyllic residential street. Equally defined by the natural habitat of Queen Elizabeth Park, Hillcrest Community Centre and the amenity-rich Main Street, homes at The Crest pay tribute to a balanced, West Coast lifestyle. Enjoy the benefits of recreation, dining, shopping, and culture – you’ll find life fulfilling and truly community focused at The Crest.

Be A Presale Condo VIP!

Find Out About New Presales & Get Access to VIP Openings & Special Promotions!

Are you a realtor? Click here

• First/Last Name *
• E-mail *
• Phone
• *
  Select A Region * Vancouver Downtown Vancouver East Side Vancouver West Side Vancouver South North Shore Burnaby/New West Coquitlam/Tri Cities Richmond Langley/Surrey
• I Am Interested In *
  New Vancouver Presale Condos Buying a Condo Selling my Condo
• Realtor Status *
  I already have a Realtor I don't have a Realtor yet
• Comment/Notes
• Page Label
• Type
• Receipent
• Security Code *
  

  
• Should be Empty:

Unparalleled leisure and recreational activities are available from neighbouring Queen Elizabeth Park, Hillcrest Community Centre, Nat Bailey Stadium, Riley Park, and Vancouver Racquets Club. For dining and shopping options, Main Street’s multitude of restaurants, boutiques, shops, cafes, and businesses are within easy walking distance. Upscale shopping choices can be found at Oakridge Centre on the opposite side of Queen Elizabeth Park.

Pricing for The Crest
As this development is in pre-construction, pricing has not yet been made public.

Floor Plans for The Crest
Including one 2-bedroom penthouse and one 3-bedroom penthouse, The Crest offers the following mix of condominiums:

• 5 x 3-bedroom units from 1,335-1,830 sq ft
• 8 x 2-bedroom units from 885-1,610 sq ft
• 5 x 1-bedroom units from 540-755 sq ft

Serious buyers should contact me today to confirm availability and to evaluate relevant plans. Given its proximity to schools, Queen Elizabeth Park, sports fields, and Hillcrest Community Centre, The Crest should be especially attractive to young families.

The Crest Interiors
Enviable Interiors

• Interior design by award-winning Occupy Design
• Customize your home with one of two colour palettes – Wood or White
• Wide plank, European inspired engineered hardwood flooring in the living, dining, kitchen and den areas
• High quality wool blend carpeting in bedrooms
• Sleek roller-style shades on all windows
• Distinctive modern flat-stock baseboards and door trims
• Energy efficient front-loading Whirlpool washer and dryer with adaptive wash technology
• Solid-core suite entry doors, polished chrome lever and privacy lock for peace-of-mind
• Modern panel style doors for bathrooms, bedrooms and closets
• Integrated LED down lighting ensuring just the right ambiance in your home
• Reliable central gas-fired boiler for domestic hot water

State-of-the-Art Kitchens

• Beautiful and durable solid quartz countertop that extends to the backsplash
• Premium stainless steel appliance package including:
  • Fisher & Paykel fridge / freezer (Bosch in 1 bedroom homes)
  • Gas 4-burner cook-top by Bosch
  • Thermal wall oven by Bosch
  • Fully-integrated dishwasher by Bosch
  • Sleek slim slide-out hood fan by Bosch in all 2- and 3-bedroom homes
  • Space efficient over the range Panasonic microwave / hood fan in all 1-bedroom homes
  • Under the counter microwave by Panasonic in all 2- and 3-bedroom homes
• Undermount stainless steel double bowl sink
• Dual-spray pull down chrome faucet by Grohe for sleek look and easy clean up
• Modern flat panel cabinet with soft close hardware for superior functionality
• Thoughtful under-cabinet lighting for well-lit kitchen prep

Spa-Like Bathrooms

• Undermount rectangle sink creates a sleek modern look for all bathrooms
• Distinctive large format porcelain tile flooring
• Relaxing soaker tub in main bathroom
• Ensuites with spacious walk-in shower or soaker tub
• Modern white tiles for tub/shower surrounds in main bathroom
• Beautiful marble mosaic tiles for shower surround in en suites
• Single-lever Grohe fixtures throughout
• Elegant chrome accessories
• High efficiency dual-flush toilet by Duravit
• Mirror vanity in en suite
• Modern flat panel cabinets with soft close hardware

Amenities at The Crest
Residents will enjoy the use of a 24′ x 15′ 9″ courtyard with covered barbecue and eating area. Each home will offer either a patio, balcony, or roof deck.

Parking and Storage
The Crest provides residents with 21 underground parking stalls, of which 14 are standard size, six are for small cars, and one is a handicapped space. Class A bicycle storage in the underground offers 17 horizontal stalls, one vertical stall, and five lockers. In addition to closets in each bedroom, 40 sq ft of storage is available in each home.

Maintenance Fees at The Crest
Approximately $0.36 per sq ft.

Developer Team for The Crest
Since Forrester began developing real estate 25 years ago, they’ve always been focused on connecting with people. And now that impulse to prioritize people and community continues in the homes Forrester Group builds throughout Vancouver. As a boutique developer, they believe in quality over quantity, craftsmanship over conveyor belts, and integrity over profits – because Forrester cares about where and how you live.

Ankenman Marchand Architects is experienced in a broad spectrum of architectural, urban design, and community planning projects, including multi-residential developments, commercial projects, heritage restoration, and resort planning. At AMA, fresh ideas are paired with technical skill, to produce award-winning results. Their multi-disciplinary team finds thoughtful solutions to clients’ needs, using sustainable building practices and building information modelling. AMA’s strengths are in quality of service and the form and function of the resulting architecture, regardless of budget.

Expected Completion for The Crest
Early 2019.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in Mount Pleasant, along Main Street, or near False Creek?

Check out these great Mount Pleasant presales!

The post The Crest at Queen E Park – Availability, Prices, Plans appeared first on Mike Stewart.

from Blog – Mike Stewart http://ift.tt/2sV3wPs

Selecting and Practising Piano Exam Repertoire: Trinity College London Grade 2

Today’s blog post continues my piano exam repertoire selection and tips series by exploring the Trinity College London Grade 2 exam.

There’s a wide range of choice on this syllabus with a very definite emphasis on the living composer. I have chosen three pieces which contrast in style and genre. For me, this is an important criteria; these tests provide an excellent opportunity for those wishing to become acquainted with various styles  and different historical periods. It can be a fun and worthwhile exercise to put this all into context, therefore why not take time to explore a composer’s background and output too? I’ve added a performance of each piece from the many on YouTube.

1. Ländler by Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

A notoriously difficult composer to tackle, Austrian master Franz Schubert has written some of the most lyrical music of all time (particularly his songs (or Lieder), of which there are over 550). This little piece is typical of his style, with a flowing, simplistic melody, and dance-like bass. Set in triple time, it is the perfect example of a folk dance.

1. It might be beneficial to begin with the scale and arpeggio of G major, due to the many arpeggio-based figurations in the right hand. These note patterns fit comfortably under the hand; each bar can be isolated and worked at separately. Use fingering which allows for the hand turns; it’s easier to play such passage work ‘in position’.
2. When playing passagework like that of bar 1, ensure all notes are sounding equally. This will be important for both the tone and the rhythm. To play bar 1 evenly, roll the hand and wrist slightly to the right to easily accommodate and support the fourth and fifth fingers (which will play the Ds and E in bar 1, beat 1 – 2), then roll to the left when playing the Bs and G (beats 2 – 3). This is known as lateral wrist motion, which supports the fingers. Aim to apply such movements for all similar figurations.
3. Turning the right hand will be necessary; at bar 3, the hand will turn on beat 1 (C with a 3rd finger to the D with a thumb). This may come as a surprise after the relatively easy movement required in the previous two bars; when playing slowly, exaggerate the movement when turning, using a large hand and wrist rotation. When played at tempo, the turn will use a much smaller movement, but should feel easier and smoother.
4. Try to keep all right hand passagework legato, breaking very slightly at the end of each phrase mark. During the second and third line, pairs of slurred notes (bar 10, beat 1) might need a drop-roll lift, before short detached staccato quavers. Although short, these should ideally be kept in character with the expressive dance-like feel, therefore a softer approach to staccato will work well here.
5. The left hand can be practised a chord per bar, to assimilate hand positions and fingerings. The bass dotted minim (bottom of the chord at bar 9) must be held throughout each bar during the last two lines. Ensure the left hand plays these notes as legato as possible, and aim to use sustaining pedal sparingly. When working hands together, practice a bar at a time, stopping over the bar line (on the first beat of the next bar) which can be helpful for continuity.

2. Willow, tit-willow (from The Mikado) by Arthur Sullivan (1842 – 1900), arranged by Janet and Alan Bullard

A delightful arrangement of an expressive song from the much-loved comic opera written by British composer Arthur Sullivan. In the opera, the song is sung by Ko Ko and is all about an unhappy bird who dives to his death into a river. This piece provides a good opportunity to explore soft colours and musical expressivity.

1. The dotted crotchet beat (6/8) might need some work, particularly as there are a few tricky corners and many rests  requiring careful counting. Perhaps start by clapping the rhythm of each hand separately (whilst counting aloud), and then clapping both hands together; the right hand clapping the top line, and the left hand, the bottom. Particular ‘spots’ to watch out for are bars 3, 7 and 15 -18, where semiquavers and rests must be all in their rightful place.
2. Work at the left hand first, and ensure dotted minims (in bar 1 and 5) are held whilst the notes above are legato and smooth. The same applies for all held bass notes at bars 2, 4, 6, and 8. The left hand chords should ideally punctuate and support the melody in the right hand, so aim to move from one chord to the next smoothly. Fingering and easy, flexible hand and wrist movements will be important in this regard.
3. The melody might need some slow practice in order to grasp the turn (bar 2, beats 1 – 2), which must be smooth without any sense of jerkiness or unevenness. The A (bar 2, beat 1), needs more colour, dying away on the D (Bar 2, beat 2). Each semiquaver group (for example, bar 3 – 4), calls for a drop-roll movement; where pairs of slurred quavers require a very legato drop then lift on the second note of the pair.
4. Where the dotted quaver-semiquaver pattern occurs in bars 9 -14, counting in semiquavers can help for precision and poise. The una corda will be effective for the last two bars (as indicated). Keep the sustaining pedal to a minimum, and observe the rest at bar 14.
5. Tonal colour will determine a successful performance. Try tapering off the sound at the end of a phrase. It can also help to play passages at varying dynamic markings exploring what works before making a final decision. Generally, a crescendo to the middle of a phrase (with a decrescendo towards the end) will highlight the musical line effectively.

3. The Swing Detectives by Ben Crosland (1968 – )

An energetic, dramatic swing piece for all those who enjoy a romp around the keyboard. Written by British educational composer Ben Crosland, this fast-moving piece with heavy accents and insistent rhythm is a lively contrast to the Schubert and Sullivan; those who love jazzy styles will certainly appreciate its colourful harmonies.

1. In order to understand the swing style, it might be a good plan to practice thinking and counting the triplet beat as per directed at the top of the score. The quavers – in both hands in the first bar (an F sharp and G (bar 1, beat 1)), would be played as a crotchet – quaver pattern; think about counting in three quaver beats, then give the F sharp the value of a crotchet (or two quavers), and the G, a quaver. Add the suggested marked accent onto the F sharp, and lighten the G (you can apply this technique to all quaver passages). This should provide the necessary ‘laid back’ swing feel.
2. Coordination between the hands will be important in the first and last line particularly. When practising hands together, experiment by using different rhythms, accents, and touches, listening carefully to each note as its played. Take the notes down absolutely together, slowly at first; it can help to play the left hand with more power than the right (and vice versa!), as the left hand can sometimes feel weaker.
3. The left hand chords from bars 5 – 7 and 9 – 11 might need some attention, as the hand moves out of position and ‘jumps’ fairly quickly. Isolate the chords, and move very swiftly, working at the leaps alone, before playing each passage; first of all, move much quicker than necessary, then work slowly, leaping further than needed i.e. an octave lower than written. When playing at the suggested tempo with the written notes, chords and fingerings should be more comfortable.
4. Left hand chords in the second and third line are effective if played with non-legato (or slightly detached touch), and the tenuto markings at bars 8, 10 and 11 will add an emphasis needed for this style.
5. The key to a successful rendition is an incisive, regular pulse. If you count every beat, syncopations, such as those in bar 12 and 16 will be accurate and full of energy. Ensure szforzandos such as those in bars 12 and 16 are given a real kick too!

For more information on other posts in this series, please click here.

---

My Books:

For much more information on how to practise repertoire, take a look at my new two-book piano course, Play it again: PIANO. Covering a huge array of styles and genres, 49 pieces from approximately Grade 1 – 8 are featured, with copious practice tips and advice for each piece.

If you’re thinking about learning to play the piano, my guide-book, So You Want To Play The Piano? is full of useful help and support.

The Faber Music Piano Anthology is also a valuable resource for those who desire a collection of standard repertoire from Grades 2 – 8, featuring 78 pieces in total.

My Compositions:

I have written a selection of educational piano music (both solo and duet) and you can hear it and find out much more here: EVC Music Publications.

from Melanie Spanswick http://ift.tt/2u3mmXY

June 2017 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Statistics Package with Full Charts

June 2017 REBGV Statistics Package from Mike Stewart

Demand for condominiums continues to outstrip supply

 

The imbalance between supply and demand in the condominium market is creating home buyer competition across Metro Vancouver.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in the region totalled 3,893 in June 2017, an 11.5 per cent decrease from the 4,400 sales recorded in June 2016, an all-time record, and a decrease of 10.8 per cent compared to May 2017 when 4,364 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 14.5 per cent above the 10-year June sales average.

“Two distinct markets have emerged this summer. The detached home market has seendemand ease back to more typical levels while competition for condominiums is creating multiple offer scenarios and putting upward pressure on prices for that property type,” Jill Oudil, REBGV president said.

There were 5,721 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in June 2017. This represents a 2.6 per cent decrease compared to the 5,875 homes listed in June 2016 and a 5.3 per cent decrease compared to May 2017 when 6,044 homes were listed.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 8,515, a nine per cent increase compared to June 2016 (7,812) and a 4.2 per cent increase compared to May 2017 (8,168).

“Home buyers have more selection to choose from in the detached market today while condominium listings are near an all-time low on the MLS®,” Oudil said. “Detached home listings have increased every month this year, while the number of condominiums for sale has decreased each month since February.”

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for June 2017 is 45.7 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 24.5 per cent for detached homes, 62 per cent for townhomes, and 93.2 per cent for condominiums.

Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“Market conditions will vary today depending on area and property type,” Oudil said. “It’s important to work with your local REALTOR® to help you understand the trends that are occurring in your community.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $998,700. This represents a 7.9 per cent increase over June 2016 and a 1.8 per cent increase compared to May 2017.

Sales of detached properties in June 2017 reached 1,320, a decrease of 15.5 per cent from the 1,562 detached sales recorded in June 2016. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,587,900. This represents a 1.4 per cent increase from June 2016 and a 1.1 per cent increase compared to May 2017.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,905 in June 2017, a decrease of 9.6 per cent compared to the 2,108 sales in June 2016. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $600,700. This represents a 17.6 per cent increase from June 2016 and a 2.9 per cent increase compared to May 2017.

Attached property sales in June 2017 totalled 668, a decrease of 8.5 per cent compared to the 730 sales in June 2016. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $745,700. This represents a 10.7 per cent increase from June 2016 and a 0.6 per cent increase compared to May 2017.

The post June 2017 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Statistics Package with Full Charts appeared first on Mike Stewart.

from Blog – Mike Stewart http://ift.tt/2uqlYkh

Monogram by Alliance Partners – Plans, Prices, Availability

At a Glance

• 6 townhouses
• 3-bedroom & 3-bedroom + den
• underground parking & storage
• 2 blocks from Commercial Drive shops & restaurants
• near public transit
• one block from bicycle route
• very high walkability

Architecturally Distinct
This is Monogram, a boutique collection of 3-bedroom townhomes in the heart of one of Vancouver’s most iconic neighbourhoods. Located two blocks from Commercial Drive at the corner of Victoria Drive and East Georgia Street, Monogram is close to everything – markets, restaurants, parks, shops, schools, breweries, and access to transit & cycling routes. Monogram is an architecturally-distinct place to call home and features spacious layouts created with families and livability in mind.

Be A Presale Condo VIP!

Find Out About New Presales & Get Access to VIP Openings & Special Promotions!

Are you a realtor? Click here

• First/Last Name *
• E-mail *
• Phone
• *
  Select A Region * Vancouver Downtown Vancouver East Side Vancouver West Side Vancouver South North Shore Burnaby/New West Coquitlam/Tri Cities Richmond Langley/Surrey
• I Am Interested In *
  New Vancouver Presale Condos Buying a Condo Selling my Condo
• Realtor Status *
  I already have a Realtor I don't have a Realtor yet
• Comment/Notes
• Page Label
• Type
• Receipent
• Security Code *
  

  
• Should be Empty:

Pricing for Monogram
From $1,199,900.

Floor Plans for Monogram
Monogram offers a choice of six 3-storey townhomes with either three bedrooms or three bedrooms and a den. Interested buyers should contact me immediately to confirm availability and view relevant plans.

Parking and Storage
Each home will have its own underground parking and storage.

Maintenance Fees at Monogram
Currently unavailable.

Developer Team for Monogram
Alliance represents a common vision of two incorporating partners to build a legacy. Growing up in Taiwan, they were brought up in families of developers, builders, and architects. From floor plan layouts for the most efficient spaces, to finding creative development partnership structures, the partners developed a strong sense of hard work and a knack for development from a young age. Today, they have aligned their interests and resources to create the Alliance Group, a multi-faceted investment and development company intended to rebrand the real estate industry.

Expected Completion for Monogram
Selling now. Completion date is yet to be announced.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in Chinatown, Mount Pleasant, or Southeast False Creek?

Check out these great Mount Pleasant Presales!

The post Monogram by Alliance Partners – Plans, Prices, Availability appeared first on Mike Stewart.

from Blog – Mike Stewart http://ift.tt/2tpR8bl

Selecting & Practising Piano Exam Repertoire: ABRSM Grade 2

Continuing my series on selecting and practising piano exam repertoire, today we  move on to ABRSM Grade 2. I’ve chosen three works (one from each of lists A, B & C) which are hopefully complimentary, offering a balanced exam programme, with five practice tips for every piece.

As always, selections come from the standard exam repertoire (as opposed to the alternative pieces). It’s possible to programme a large cohort of pieces, particularly for ABRSM exams, but I hope my selection offers lots of variety, both technically and musically. There are links to performances too (taken from the many on YouTube).

List A: A1, Allegretto (First movement from Sonatina No. 3 in F) by Thomas Attwood (1765 – 1838)

This joyful little piece, with a catchy tune, set in ternary form (A – B – A), was written by British Classical composer Attwood (1765 – 1838), who studied with Mozart. The texture is essentially melody and accompaniment. Start by dusting off the F major scale and arpeggio, which serves as useful preparation.

1. Focus on the left hand, and play each half bar as a chord or ‘blocked out’ i.e. sound the F, A ,C of bar 1, beat 1 altogether, (this can be done in the right hand at bars 9 -18 too). Write the fingering in as you go, and note the necessary changes in hand position, to accommodate the movement around the keyboard (at bar 5, for example, where the left hand leaps to the treble clef).
2. Now play the left hand quaver figurations as written, ensuring they are totally rhythmic and even. Either count aloud or use a metronome on every quaver beat. Keep fingers close to the keys for good control. It can be helpful to memorise the bars where the leaps occur (bars 5 and 26).
3. The right hand needs a much deeper colour than the left. The melody would benefit from a smooth legato touch from bars 1 – 8 and 22 – 29. Using a relaxed wrist, encourage the hand and whole arm to assist the fingers in playing to the bottom of the key bed, producing a rich tone, and join each note carefully with no gaps in the sound.
4. Balance phrasing in the right hand at bars 2 & 3, shortening the crotchet very slightly (before the quaver), playing it softly (phrasing off from the dotted crotchet). Aim to project the hidden melody at bars 9 – 16, formed of the first note of each group of quavers.
5. Balance and coordination between the hands is crucial; slow practice, bar by bar will help with precise coordination between quavers in each hand especially (bars 4, 7, and the like). Try to keep the left hand much softer and lighter than the right. Add speed only when notes and fingering are secure.

List B: B 2, Waltz in G (No. 2 from Poklad melodií, Vol. 2) by Bedrich Smetana (1824 – 84)

A charming dance with a steady one-in-a-bar feel, written by Czech composer Smetana. This provides a contrast to the first piece (A 1), with its Romantic demeanour, and whilst it’s in the style of a Waltz, the title is apparently editorial! Working at the G major scale and arpeggio may be helpful as a warm-up.

1. The right hand melody consists of phrases of different lengths which would profit from separate hand practice, and a deep but smooth (legato) touch. It can help to mark the most important note (or notes) within each phrase, contouring the dynamics to suit your markings. Listening carefully (especially to the ends of phrases) as you play will prove vital.
2. The left hand can be ‘blocked out’; play each bar as one chord (as mentioned before), to learn fingerings and position changes, then give the first beat of each bar a slight ‘push’ or deeper touch, whilst keeping beats two and three softer, projecting the lilting Waltz character.
3. The brief modulation to the minor (bars 12 -15) will require slow practice, in order to secure notes and fingerings and to accommodate the more unusual phrase breaks between the right and left hand. When playing on groups of black notes, move the hands slightly forward, placing fingers over the keys in preparation.
4. There might be a temptation to rush bars such as those at bar 2, 4, 10 and 12, where both hands must coordinate precisely; set the pulse to a third of the intended speed, and work at the last two beats in the bar first (stopping on the first beat of the next bar), really listening, taking down each note (or group of notes) absolutely together. When secure, add the first beat of the bar.
5. The last line particularly is full of accents, staccato, and tenuto markings, which must all be observed; insert these when notes are fully under the fingers. To place the last G in the left hand (bar 33) accurately, practice playing an octave lower than written (i.e. leap down two octaves as opposed to one!). When returning to playing as written, the jump will feel easier.

List C: C 1, The Cat from Peter and the Wolf Op. 67 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891 – 1953)

For me, the third piece on any exam programme should be fun and perhaps slightly irreverent (especially for the lower grades). Many enjoy the jazzy pieces which pervade the C lists, but some of the other works are just as interesting. From Prokofiev’s orchestral masterpiece, Peter and the Wolf, comes this arrangement; the cat is characterized (and played) by the clarinet in the original version.

1. Articulation rules in this piece. The contrasts between staccato and legato must be marked appropriately as they denote the cat’s impish, playful nature. Aim to use very short, spikey staccato; try tapping (or ‘flicking’) the keys with the top of the finger (pulling it inwards, towards the palm of the hand), leaving the keys extremely quickly.
2. In both hands, quavers (playing the melody) need exact counting in order to ‘place’ each beat in the bar giving breathing space, but with no sense of rushing or pushing the beat. It can help to count in semiquavers.
3. The C sharp (bar 1, beat 3, in the theme) is given a rich colour and slight tenuto (held or leaning into a note), and the C in bar 2 (beat 2), an appropriate accent, giving the melody shape. Each thematic appearance requires specific articulation in order to project the cat and its shenanigans.
4. The left hand accompanies with short, well placed chords; play first alone (without the right hand), and place each one using a metronome, to make sure you are really playing on the beat. Sense of timing will make or break any performance.
5. Tasteful appropriation of short phrasing and the many varied dynamic markings will ensure a colourful rendition; the printed narrative will aid the understanding of the piece (particularly for younger learners), but resist inclusion in the exam!
   

   ---

My Books:

For much more information on how to practise repertoire, take a look at my new two-book piano course, Play it again: PIANO. Covering a huge array of styles and genres, 49 pieces from approximately Grade 1 – 8 are featured, with copious practice tips and advice for each piece.

If you’re thinking about learning to play the piano, my guide-book, So You Want To Play The Piano? is full of useful help and support.

The Faber Music Piano Anthology is also a valuable resource for those who desi re a collection of standard repertoire from Grades 2 – 8, featuring 78 pieces in total.

My Compositions:

I have written a selection of educational piano music (both solo and duet) and you can hear it and find out much more here: EVC Music Publications.

---

 

from Melanie Spanswick http://ift.tt/2soKmRR