One-key tremolo

Okay, I realize I don't ever post about musical matters (why is that?) but here's one that gives me trouble and I wonder if you all agree or if it's just me.

There's a one-key tremolo in a piece I'm working on. (You don't see this very much in classical works; this was just written). You're supposed to sustain it over several measures, pp, with other notes occasionally played by other fingers of the same hand. So I'm using RH fingers 1-2 or 1-2-3 for the tremolo, but it's really hard to get it quiet and get lots of even articulations.

I suspect the state of the piano's action has a HUGE amount to do with how well this works, but my action was just optimized for repetition, and it's still hard.

What do y'all think...is it hard for the rest of you, too?

Joe K

Usenet version: stamp on the floor with alternating feet. On a sheet of paper, write down everything about what you just did, down to the minute details of how you apply your forces in what direction. Then run on a treadmill machine. On a separate sheet of paper, write down everything about what you just did on the treadmill machine. Repeat this process for a week to make sure that you are missing nothing. Then hopefully you will know what to do next...

Can you elaborate? I don't see how you can create a tone with a horizontal

I think that is quite idiomatic and playable, e.g. Alborada.

HORIZONTAL VERTICAL

Pound signs are keys and lines are fingers, I take it?

I'll have to work on that.

Why not 'cheat'? Alternating with a half- or whole-step up or down will result in nearly the same basic effect on the ear. It'll sound better, though, because it will have a more solid, even sound.

here's one that gives me trouble and I wonder if you all agree or if it's just me. There's a one-key tremolo in a piece I'm working on. (You don't see this very much in classical works; this was just written). You're supposed to sustain it over several measures, pp, with other notes occasionally played by other fingers of the same hand. So I'm using RH fingers 1-2 or 1-2-3 for the tremolo, but it's really hard to get it quiet and get lots of even articulations. I suspect the state of the piano's action has a HUGE amount to do with how well this works, but my action was just optimized for repetition, and it's still hard. What do y'all think...is it hard for the rest of you, too? Joe K

One-key pp tremolos can best be played on a grand piano, as it has better repetition mechanics. When you let the key not come back up from your finger everytime you can play 'within the key', with fast repetition. Also it helps to get your wrist a bit higher, and to play with relaxed finger(s). Also try to keep constant contact with the key, if you play with the same finger AND if you play with e.g. 12121 or 13131 or 123123 or 123212321 or 23232 or 141414 etc..

regards, Tjako van Schie, pianist

Idiomatic, yes. Playable, no.

occasionally played by other fingers of the same hand.

Steinway used to sell a nasal attachment that allowed you to play those additional notes. Later models had an adjustable volume dial (Steinway Patent #8603), which ran from ppp to fff. Before that improvement, pianists suffered many neck injuries.

'Nose notes' are currently out of vogue.