Jan 22 (Var 3)

Another thought on learning notes vs. learning fingering today. I did it, I turned the page and started looking at the second half. It is *daunting*. I played through it hands separately and once together, just to see what was in store. I'm in store for some very precise fingering. If I just learn the notes, I'll be in trouble here, because the natural way to play these runs is not the way that's fingered in many cases. Not only do you have to play the right notes, you have to play them with the right fingers -- which sounds silly I know. How else would you have to play them? Let me explain.

There are some things that feel natural under the hand. You drill scales, for instance, where the thumb crosses under the third finger. It just does; that's what feels right. But Bach, he practiced different scales than I did. He crosses any damn finger at any time - and if you don't too, then you're going to run out of fingers at the bottom, or find an impossible reach awaits.

I will say that when it works it feels really good. There are moments like that in the first half too, and they're starting to feel more natural. Probably starting to sound more natural. This recording is just a tiny bit faster than my comfort level right now, and you'll hear it in my mistakes, but this music is fun to play fast! So I'm having fun, is what I'm saying, and I'll have fun at any damn time - and if you don't too, then... sorry. 

Have fun!