Aleksandr Michalowski - Étude after Impromptu No. 1 by Chopin

Hello everyone ... hope you are all well!!! I would like to share a special highlight from the International Stretto piano festival, featuring an upright piano by Clive Pinkham with narrow keys. Here is a witty characterful étude on the first impromptu of Chopin by Aleksandr Michalowski, and I am incredibly thrilled to perform this as part of the festival showcasing narrow keys. The main section that has the theme has the right hand playing in 3rds and 6ths, while the left hand is playing in wide positions. I introduce this with a demonstration of the 19th century preluding tradition in which the pianist improvises freely to introduce the piece—it’s supposed to relax the performer and familiarise the instrument before playing a piece of repertoire. The range of changing emotions and characters always bring me back to this piece and it suits the intimacy of Clive Pinkham’s instruments so perfectly!!! ❤️❤️❤️ ✨✨✨🎹🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

Watch complete recital here    • Rachel Starritt, International Stretto Pia...  

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