Can someone please help me understand the following quote which I read on another piano website? <<<<(4) With a few older exceptions, most discourage the use of "thumb under" for playing scales; however, thumb under is a valuable movement for some specific applications. Chopin preferred thumb under for its legato, but taught thumb over where it was technically advantageous.>>>> How can anyone play a scale without using "thumb under"? I must not be understanding what this writer is suggesting! Thanks, Michelle

-- Michelle (noname_poster@yahoo.com), June 26, 2001

Answers

What is meant is that movies of fine pianists show that when playing scales and arpeggios rapidly the whole hand is shifting (e.g. right hand in upward scale or arpeggio) and there is no time for tucking the thumb. Many movements at speed differ from those recommended during slow practice. Whether slow practice is therefore often a waste is a matter of debate. (since the question hasn't been studied adequately)

-- fountain of wisdom (noname_poster@yahoo.com), June 28, 2001.