What classical repertoire to play next?

Annabel Thwaite
Annabel Thwaite

Lesson time: (1min 17sec)

Annabel looks at how mastering octaves can open up a range of classical repertoire to you, including Grieg.

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This lesson is part of the course Learn Christmas Classics on Piano
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Lesson transcript:

The Importance of Octaves in Composition

This piece is great for octaves. Octaves are a fantastic way for a composer to really emphasize or beef up the sound and the grandeur.

Key Example

For example, at the beginning of Grieg's Piano Concerto, there are loads of octaves, creating a big statement.

Practicing Octaves

It's really important to practice octaves. The way I would think about this is by doing scales.

  • Maybe start with G major and practice scales going down.
  • If you want to go even further, consider looking at:
    • Chopin's studies
      • There are two octave studies
    • Debussy's octave studies
    • Czerny
    • Hanon
    • Moskowski

These resources could be great for octave study.

About the instructor

Annabel Thwaite
Annabel Thwaite

Recognised as one of Britain's most versatile and charismatic pianists, Annabel Thwaite enjoys a diverse career as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist, educator and examiner, and has won all the major accompanying prizes, including the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier, Gold Medal, and Richard Tauber Piano Prizes. She has collaborated with renowned artists such as Roberto Alagna, Bryn Terfel, David Kempster and "Only Men Aloud!" Annabel has recorded for Universal records with the "Scottish Tenor", whose album was nominated for a Classical Brit Award and is regularly played on Classic FM. Twice the accompanist for the Festival of Welsh Male choirs, her performances at the Royal Albert Hall were recorded by Sain and have been aired on S4C. She is also a film session pianist, having recorded at Abbey Road the music for the film "Awake", the BBC Jane Austen series "Emma", "The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister" and, most recently, she has appeared on both Blue Peter and "The Rob Brydon Show". "...no doubt helped by the obviously brilliant piano accompaniments from Annabel Thwaite...highly enjoyable." In her MusicGurus courses - Learn Christmas Classics on Piano, Learn Classical Favourites on Piano, and Growing Chamber Groups and Small Ensembles - Annabel shares the musicianship behind that versatile career. You will learn how to bring well-loved Christmas and classical pieces to life at the piano, develop your touch and phrasing, and, drawing on her award-winning experience as an accompanist, discover how to listen, lead and play together when making music with other musicians in chamber groups and small ensembles. read more

What's included?

21 lessons (0h 41m)
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