Grand Choeur in D - Guilmant

[Choralbass4']

Hello everyone.. its been awhile... </P>


I'm currently working on this piece and wondering how to achieve fluency with the big chords.... Its a real beauty to listen to but once to start learning it its a nightmare.....</P>


anyway to make life easier??</P>

[Guest]

Re: Grand Choeur in D - Guilmant



I'm no teacher, so take this with a pinch of salt, but here are a few things that worked for me:</p>

1) Relax. Certainly I have a tendency to tense up when I see these big chords, but keeping your fingers and shoulders really relaxed will help you get into position.</p>

2) It's a minuet, so it needs to dance. Even though it's full organ, think light, think dance, think forward motion. You can play those chords quite short, and don't "dig-in" to the keys too much. Again, just don't try too hard.</p>

3) Identify places where your hand actually needs to move (like the transition between bar 1 and 2). Practice that transition only, one hand at a time, until it comes easily.</p>

I used to really struggle with playing big chords jumping around, but I later realised it was all to do with having too much tension. Of course, you still need to practice the moves and jumps, but I promise you, they're easier than you think.
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[Choralbass4']

Re: Grand Choeur in D - Guilmant



Great stuff.. will try it out.. I want to learn for Easter this year.. hope I'll be able to get it up to speed by then..The final sectionis a killer with those pedal runs isn't it!! I'm starting from the end of the piece and working my way to the beginning.because its like BIG CHORDS, PEDAL RUNS, ALLEGRO.. bloody hell.. and they think organists are not athletic! </P>


What tempo do you play it at Simon? </P>
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Thank you for your scholarly comments.. </P>
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[Guest]

Re: Grand Choeur in D - Guilmant



I learned it for Easter a few years ago as well. Good idea to start with the end, although by learning from the beginning I at least had the hands more or less sorted so I could concentrate on those nasty pedals.</p>

I don't have a metronome handy so I can't tell you exactly what speed I play it. A little slower than this performance anyway:</p>

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwfdeerjw7k
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[Choralbass4']

Re: Grand Choeur in D - Guilmant



how funny, I just watched this in the morning.. actually its the only one on youtube isn't it.. how sad.. </P>


I'm glad I'm on the right track then.. I think if I can conqueror the hands and feet at the beginning then I'll be ok.. ururghh.. saying all this I'm sure I'll get cold fingers AND feet on Easter morning.. hahaha..as you say I live for the day as well when my performances in public will be as good as when i do it alone..... &lt;sigh&gt; (all my hope on God is founded).... INDEED! </P>