Gerardo Teissonnière on finishing every phrase to the last note
The Cleveland Institute of Music teacher on elegance, beautiful sound at speed and virtuosity that serves the music.
Gerardo Teissonnière is on the piano faculty of the Cleveland Institute of Music. He is in demand for master classes and pedagogy seminars around the world, and his students have performed with major orchestras and at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
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. Finish every phrase to the last note
Always play to the very last note. Don’t feel hurried to get through a passage because you need to go further. Take the time to finish it beautifully, which is how Chopin’s music needs to be played.
Gerardo Teissonnière
2. Remember what a waltz is for
When one plays a Chopin waltz, one needs to think of the elegance, the beauty and the delicateness of the time and the occasion. These are the most lighthearted music Chopin wrote.
Gerardo Teissonnière
3. Virtuosity should never be just for show
I love that the virtuoso passage work was an extension of the music. It was not just for show.
Gerardo Teissonnière
4. Keep a beautiful sound when it’s loud and fast
If you focus on creating a beautiful sound even when you play fortissimo and fast, that would be a great improvement.
Gerardo Teissonnière
5. Wind comes and goes
It is the Winter Wind etude, and wind comes and goes, sometimes very quickly, and it varies in intensity.
Gerardo Teissonnière
6. Make contrast with touch
Contrast of character can be done through dynamics and touch. In the piano sections, play lighter.
Gerardo Teissonnière
7. Choose tempos that relate to each other
The tempos were chosen very well in relation to each other, and that’s very important in theme and variations.
Gerardo Teissonnière
8. Smooth out tempo transitions
Transitions are very important in this music. Explore smoother tempo transitions and fluctuations, so it flows in a more unified way.
Gerardo Teissonnière
Quotes are lightly edited for length and clarity. They come from Mr. Teissonnière’s comments as a judge at the 2023 Piano Star International Competition. You can watch the full performances and feedback on the Piano League YouTube channel.
Quick question
What do you rush most often?
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