Alan Woo on why silence can be the most dramatic moment
The University of Georgia pianist on silences, crescendos, direction and playing con brio.
Alan Woo teaches piano at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music. He made his Lincoln Center debut at Alice Tully Hall with the Juilliard Orchestra and has performed across the United States, Europe and Asia.
Here are eight of his best tips, taken from feedback he gave young pianists after live performances, with a link to each moment on video.
1. Silence can be the most dramatic moment
Listen to the silences. Rests and silences, especially if there’s a fermata, can also be very dramatic, giving the audience the feeling of what’s going to happen next and keeping us on the edge of our seats.
Alan Woo
2. Repeated notes need direction
It’s important to maintain direction in all of the repeated notes to support a longer phrase.
Alan Woo
3. Delay the big crescendo
Stay within the softer dynamic a little longer and delay those huge crescendos, so that they’re that much more dramatic and effective.
Alan Woo
4. Shape the fast passages too
Brilliant passage work could benefit from a little more direction. Shaping within all of those rapid notes adds an extra dimension.
Alan Woo
5. Keep soft sections truly soft
If the phrases marked piano could stay in that lower dynamic, the forte moments would be even more dramatic.
Alan Woo
6. Con brio means caffeinated
Beethoven marks allegro con brio. You capture the lyrical side very well, but I’m missing the con brio element. Maybe a more caffeinated approach to the music.
Alan Woo
7. Low notes are not always the low point
Notes in the lower register don’t always mean the low point in the phrase. If you do it every time, it can come across as a mannerism or a formula rather than something considered.
Alan Woo
8. Let the pacing breathe
The pacing is a little too much the same all throughout. Be more generous with any chance to broaden. Find a more personal sound and discover your own story.
Alan Woo
Quotes are lightly edited for length and clarity. They come from Mr. Woo’s comments as a judge at the 2022 Piano Star International Competition. You can watch the full performances and feedback on the Piano League YouTube channel.
Quick question
Which tip will you try this week?
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