Piano Grade 2 Materials | Exam

Grade 2 - Exam Materials

Bear in mind that these materials are for the exam format only. To learn efficiently don't neglect learning more pieces and studies. And don't forget that music is not only a deeply engrossing but also intellectually-oriented subject - study history and theory to understand what you are playing.

📖 On Importance of DETAILS OF PHRASING AND ACCENTUATION
“Some students look upon phrasing as a detail that can be postponed until other supposedly more important things are accomplished. The very musical meaning of any composition depends upon the correct understanding and delivery of the phrases which make that composition. To neglect the phrases would be about as sensible as it would be for the great actor to neglect the proper thought division in the interpretation of his lines. 
The greatest masterpiece of dramatic literature whether it be Romeo and Juliet, 
Antigone, La Malade Imaginaire or The Doll’s House becomes  nonsense if the thought divisions indicated by the verbal phrases are not carefully determined and expressed. Great actors spend hours and hours seeking for the best method of expressing the author’s meaning. No pianist of ability would think of giving less careful attention to phrasing. … Phrasing is anything but a detail. Fine phrasing depends first upon a knowledge of music which enables one to define the limitations of the phrase and then upon a knowledge of pianoforte playing which enables one to execute it properly. Phrasing is closely allied to the subject of accentuation and both subjects are intimately connected with that of fingering. Without the proper fingers it is often impossible to execute certain phrases correctly. Generally, the accents are considered of importance because they are supposed to fall in certain set parts of given measures, thus indicating the meter.
Ferruccio Busoni in James Francis Cooke's Great Pianists on Piano Playing

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