Conversation Starter - July 17, 2024

On Youtube I watched a BBC performance of Bill Evans playing piano, like he does. Someone commented on the video about his skill in being even-handed with his playing. That is, his left hand was soft. His Bass Cleff notes were never too heavy, never overpowering the melody being played by his right hand. I learned that apparently this is something taught to piano students over time - to soften their left hand playing so that melodies can ring out clearly. As someone who is a music lover but has never taken lessons or played an instrument really, that's a pretty interesting nugget. The value of good left-hand control is quite clearly demonstrated in the playing of Liebestraum No. 3.

Compare this playing:

To this:

Can you tell who had the heavier left hand? Which performance has the melody more up front? To me, the difference is really clear. I am excited to have learned a little bit more about how to listen to piano music!