Hélène de Montgeroult - Etude 19 (historical tempo) - Mr Bellicanta: 1895 Bechstein piano

Hélène de Montgeroult (1764-1836) wrote a 'Cours complet pour l'enseignement du forte piano', which included 114 Etudes. This is number 19.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theclavi...
If you enjoy the channel you can support it by 'buying me a coffee' :-)

A piacere con espressione, metronome mark: quarter note = 88
I play at around that speed, in double (or whole) beat, where the note value equals two ticks of the metronome, a historical practice adopted by most famous composers of the 19th century. The alternative is to play this piece in single beat, which means double the speed I play... an Etude conceived for normal people who were learning the piano at a time in which most instruments did not have double escapement, basically slower action, even if lighter. Metronome marks were meant to be achieved. Just think about it..

Montgeroult wrote directions for each Etude. The piano as a 'singing' instrument was at the centre of her aesthetic view of sound making. Just think about it..

I do not claim to play in a historical way or to achieve what Montgeroult asks for (in fact I do not fully attempt it, even though when I can, I try). The only thing I do is to follow the only possible historical tempo, a number, a fact. The rest can come with practice.

My Bechstein upright has a peculiar action which makes it lighter, but more 'sluggish' in comparison to an average modern upright. Also, due to age, the action is a little irregular, meaning that different keys might have slightly different response/weight, but it is not too bad! He is doing well!

Mr Bellicanta, the Clavierist
Instrument: Bechstein upright piano model V (year 1895)
Tuning: equal temperament - a' = 438 Hz

#piano #bechstein #uprightpiano #pianomusic #romanticpianomusic #19thcentury