Piano Techniques: Staccato and Legato

Graham Fitch's master class at Steinway Hall covers staccato and legato piano techniques. He demonstrates four types of staccato: finger, wrist, forearm, and whole arm, emphasizing the importance of blending these techniques. The session also explores legato touches, including legatissimo and finger pedaling, highlighting their application in various musical periods.

Where is the master class by Graham Fitch filmed?

• Sydney Opera House

• Royal Albert Hall

• Steinway Hall

• Carnegie Hall

What does the term 'staccato' mean in Italian?

• To connect

• To play loudly

• To separate

• To play softly

Which piece does Graham use to demonstrate finger staccato?

• Chopin's Nocturne

• Mozart's Sonata in B flat

• Mendelssohn's E minor piece

• Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata

In wrist staccato, what needs to be kept firm?

• The shoulders

• The fingers

• The back

• The elbow

Which part of the arm is primarily used in forearm staccato?

• The wrist

• The shoulders

• The fingers

• The forearm

What is the feeling described by Graham when using whole arm staccato?

• Like a breeze

• Like a wave

• Like a jackhammer

• Like a feather

What does Graham emphasize about blending different staccato techniques?

• They should never be blended

• They should be blended based on the passage and desired sound

• Only one technique should be used at a time

• Blending is only for advanced players

What does 'legato' mean?

• To play softly

• To play loudly

• To separate

• To connect

Which technique is useful for playing melodies that sing?

• Finger staccato

• Wrist staccato

• Legatissimo

• Forearm staccato

What is the effect of using finger pedaling?

• It creates a carpet of harmonic sound

• It reduces the volume

• It makes the sound spiky

• It speeds up the tempo