More about Orchestral Playing
Martin J. Katz · 2009
Abstract Let us assume the homework on studying scores and listening to recordings has been done, the instrumentation has been marked on the pianist’s music, and, as always, the words have been translated. Our imagination has been ignited, we know which sounds we are intent on imitating—the time has come to sit at the piano and learn the piece in question. I would suggest now that the process for learning something for orchestra differs significantly from that of learning something originally written for piano. With a keyboard accompaniment, we know from the outset that we must play our part—every note of it—as written. Each of us has a different way of learning a piece—perhaps hands practiced separately, perhaps very slowly, perhaps not, perhaps inserting dotted rhythms, perhaps avoiding pedal at the outset … whatever. The process is not at all dissimilar to that of learning a piece for solo piano.