The Russian School Of Piano Playing Book 1 Part Ii Pdf

Introduction

The Verdict: Is This Method Still Relevant Today?

In an era of colorful method books with stickers and backing tracks, the Russian School can feel austere. Yet pianists trained in this tradition—from Sviatoslav Richter to Daniil Trifonov—consistently demonstrate superior touch control, rhythmic integrity, and a natural connection to the instrument. The Russian School Of Piano Playing Book 1 Part Ii Pdf

One evening, alone in the practice room, she played a simple Kabalevsky piece. Her left hand walked a bass line steady as a heartbeat. Her right hand sang a melody that rose, hesitated, then fell like snow. She didn’t miss a single finger placement. The tone was round, warm, unforced. Introduction The Verdict: Is This Method Still Relevant

• Russian folk tunes ("Kalinka," "Moscow Nights").
• Miniatures by Kabalevsky, Gedike, and Shostakovich (Children’s Notebook).
• Transposed versions of Bach chorales (preparatory for Inventions).

• Gradual and systematic approach: The book introduces new technical and musical concepts gradually, allowing pianists to build on their existing skills.
• Clear explanations and examples: The book provides clear explanations of technical concepts, accompanied by musical examples and illustrations.
• Variety of repertoire: The book includes a diverse selection of repertoire pieces, catering to different tastes and technical levels.
• Emphasis on musicality: The book encourages pianists to develop their musicality, including phrasing, dynamics, and articulation.

4. New Articulations & Dynamics

• Legato (slurred groups) becomes mandatory, not optional.
• Staccato – first introduced for repeated notes or alternating hands.
• Non-legato (portato) – used as a preparatory touch before full staccato.
• Dynamic range: mf (mezzo-forte) and p (piano) added to existing f.
  Crescendo and diminuendo appear over 2–4 measures.
• Accents (> on a single note) – rare but present in folk dance pieces.