Pianist Henrik Kilhamn goes through Brahms Intermezzo in E major, no. 6 from Op. 116, with discussions of meter dispacement, structural reconfiguration and emotional transformation throughout the piece. Video: https://youtu.be/Xjlvl5b4ayo

Welcome to episode 730 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast! This question was sent by Benas, our student at Vilnius University organ studio "Unda Maris" and he writes: After learning to play Bach's Trio Sonata in Eb major, I found myself reluctant to try and explore the rest of the Trio sonatas. What could I try to overcome this fear? Last year, I …

Let's start episode 734 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Kathrin and she writes: That's a really interesting topic. Can I add a few questions? - Level 1 - 2 - 3 method sounds plausible. But for me, when a piece really looks like level 1, after practicing for a while, it turns out, it's at least level 2. I never found l…

Let's start episode 733 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Ann and she writes: I have a related problem. I also have been working on the E flat trio sonata, and have absolutely loved working on it/playing it. But I played it in a recital recently (one movement) and I played it badly, even though it is great when I play b…

Let's start episode 732 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. These questions were sent by Rien and Benas and they write: Maybe you could answer this question in a podcast (referring to Benas): with some pieces you “feel” while practicing that everything comes together. And if you are there, you stay there. Even if you don’t play the piece for a whi…

Let's start episode 731 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Dan and he writes: Interesting podcast episode here, on pedal technique, Vidas. You talk about putting hands on the bench during pedal solos. I’ll often do this, as I’m not playing anything in the manuals. Would you say this is a good thing to do, technically spe…

Pianist Henrik Kilhamn looks at Yiruma's famous "River Flows In You", a tender but catchy instrumental pop song, associated with the Twilight franchise but not actually used in the movie. Video: https://youtu.be/OqgmQEBC75M

Let's start episode SOPP729 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Nick and he writes: Hi there! Been following your site for a while (and even bought a few pieces). I just recently stepped up to learn organ for my church – it’s a Catholic traditional Latin church, so I’m being asked to play hymns, interludes, and to accompa…

Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 728! It's Vidas and usually we do these conversations with Ausra but today I’m delighted to speak with a very special guest—someone whose music has brought inspiration, beauty, and calm to listeners and performers around the world. Dr. James Michael Stevens, joining us from Nashville, Tennessee, is a …

Let's start episode 727 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Gene and he writes: My question is tempo, on BWV 624: Hilf Gott, dass mir's gelinge by J.S. Bach. I'm amazed that I can play it pretty well, and it sounds pretty good on my funny, little house organ. Fluit 4, on the triplets and to Pedal. Cantus on Principal 8. I…

Welcome to episode 726 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast! This question was sent by Tamsin and she writes: I have a technical question that you might be able to shed some light on. When playing Baroque repertoire I usually use all-toes technique. I would like to ask if you find foot-crossing and other elements of all-toes technique easier to perf…

Let’s start episode 725 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Steve and he writes: Is it possible at 78 years old to memorize? Hope you will enjoy this conversation!​

Let’s start episode 724 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Kathrin writes: I can‘t play versets for services like confirmation. I need festive, more or less bold and „friendly“ pieces, at least between 3 to 5 minutes, pieces with repeats are always nice. The „biggest“ organs I play regularly have 14 (a mechanical organ) …

Let’s start episode 723 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Filippa and she writes: Hi Vidas, 1. My dream would be for the idea of improvisation not to make me very nervous and to be something I can do with some degree of confidence! 2. The 3 things holding me back are: chord progressions and harmonizations while improvis…

Joe Hisaishi is known for his scores to Studio Ghibli films, like this spacious theme from Spirited Away. It features quartal harmonies with a slightly eerie vibe to start with, but settles after a while into a perfect lounge piece. There are a few different official versions with Hisiashi himself, and in this video we see where they differ. With p…

Let’s start episode 722 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Dawn and she writes: "My New Year's resolution is to be confident at improvising.You can support this channel by becoming a member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4K3_6QVJI_HlI5PCFQqtg/joinIf you like what I do, you can buy me some coffee: https://www.bu…

Grieg summons an army of trolls, who apparently become dwarfs in English, in this highly effective piano piece! With pianist Henrik Kilhamn. Video: https://youtu.be/y9fPd3zOYPQ

Dario Marionelli composed the score to the 2005 film Pride & Prejudice, and the opening track Dawn is a nice piano piece in its own right that captures the air of classy salons. With pianist Henrik Kilhamn. Video: https://youtu.be/AsgXmgnpcGI

Let’s start episode 721 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Massimiliano and he writes: Hello Vidas, How are you? Since I have some problems with my eyesight and was looking for a somewhat large written edition. I wanted to ask you please what editions you use for Bach's music. In your videos I can't understand it well. I…

We look closely at the details of this colorful creation and find typical Debussy devices everywhere: pentatonic and whole-tone vibes, extended dominants, sharp contrasts, and even some polytonality! VIdeo: https://youtu.be/jEfo70SY4BM

Let’s start episode 720 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Maureen, and she writes: Dear Vidas, Could you advise me on how to play on a 1 manual organ? There are no foot pedals and no volume pedal. This organ was built for a side chapel in the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. There are eight draw stops 1x16’; 2 x8’; 2x 4’; …

Another gem from Grieg's Lyric pieces Op. 12, known as either "Elfin dance" or "Fairy dance". The Scandinavian elves are actually more like fairies or sprites than fantasy elves, and this music captures their short but energetic dance show succinctly! Video: https://youtu.be/6rEWZVMIC3k

The opening music of the film Forrest Gump (1994) is a lovely piano tune in almost total syncopation and with graceful lightness. In this video we look closer at the musical material. With pianist Henrik Kilhamn. Video: https://youtu.be/NFtNL85r0Fc

Welcome to episode 719 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Kurt and he writes: Dear Vidas, Thanks for Your newsletter and the advice and remarks for technical topics such as registration and daily exercises. My dream at the moment (as on beginner level) is to coordinate the pedal playing - it causes me so much power (and …

Rachmaninoff took Kreisler's beloved Liebesleid for violin and turned it into a virtuosic piano showpiece full of crunchy chromaticism and awkward chords :) With pianist Henrik Kilhamn.Video: https://youtu.be/EAKBxLgu560

Welcome to episode 718 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Carl and she writes:"Hallo Vidas! My stretch goal is to be a church organist. I can't really play the piano right now, I have to learn that. I have no access to an organ. I am stretched for time. I guess this is pretty vanilla feedback. But that's pretty much it."…

We look closer at Yann Tiersen's (first) waltz for Amélie to see how he crafts four rounds of beautiful piano textures based on the same chords. With pianist Henrik Kilhamn. Video: https://youtu.be/-jQSSoEygBE

Welcome to episode 717 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Pamela and she writes: "I would be interested in tips on how to accompany plainsong chant. I know that many people do not like or approve of chant accompaniments but many USA churches use them. The organist often has to invent on the spot." You can support this ch…

Yann Tiersen wrote one of the most memorable pianistic scores for the French film "Amélie" in 2001. Using only simple means of carefully crafted melodic ideas over repeated textures makes this Comptine a modern, minimalist classic. With pianist Henrik Kilhamn. Video: https://youtu.be/M41GA-rxkHQ

Let’s start episode 716 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Ray, and he writes: “Hey Vidas Thanks for your tips. Here are my goals: - to increase my play from memory ability (given the fact that l am 71) and to perform two major pieces Challenges: - time is a challenge - correct fingering (still fumbling at times) - impro…

Let’s start episode 715 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Ben, and he writes: 1. Goal: To play more complex pieces such as Bach D minor "Dorian" toccata and fugue fluently 2. Obstacle: Advanced age (76) although I did study organ at ages 15-17 and violin from age 9 and have a good knowledge of music theory. Fortunately …

Let’s start episode 714 of Secrets of Organ Playing podcast. This question was sent by Kathrin, and she writes: “When I first write fingerings in the score, partly it doesn't work anymore, when I play the piece faster. In some pieces it is necessary to play one or two or more notes in the first line in the left hand or vice versa. So both hands hav…

This question was sent by Jim, and he writes: I'm trying to think when, if ever, someone would want to use a 16' stop when playing on the manuals. It seems that practice would give a very thick and muddy sound to the part written for the manuals. Can you give an instance or example of when it would be appropriate to use a 16' stop for the manuals, …

Let’s start episode 712 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Jim, and he writes: “There is a topic that I, and probably every other church organist on here, would like for you to cover. And that is how to accompany the choir for the choral anthem from a piano score at the organ. It is a nightmare. Usually if there is a pia…

Let’s start episode 711 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Spencer, and he writes: Hello Sir, Please do you have materials and videos on creating last stanza reharmonization for organ accompanying a choir singing unison with or without descant? This podcast is supported by Total Organist - the most comprehensive organ tr…

The Sugar Plum Fairy is sneaking around in Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker with the help of celeste bells and staccato chords, but it all works fine to play on a piano too after the composer's own arrangement. With pianist Henrik Kilhamn. Video: https://youtu.be/X-J7eP-RLMM

This question was sent by Susanna, and she writes: “Vidas, Currently my goal is to become a reasonably competent and confident organ player in the small local church and the local church community. I like your idea of a “course” - a guide to how/ what to study to achieve this - I don’t want to take exams - but with an exam course there is a syllabu…

Revered as one of the most powerful and difficult etudes of the romantic repertoire, Scriabin's in D-sharp minor is impressively cohesive, with every phrase leading seamlessly over to the next over vast arpeggios, bass pedal points and poignant harmonic moves. Analysis with pianist Henrik Kilhamn. (Apologies for the audio quality - somehow my exter…

No. 6 is Debussy's first book of Preludes is called "Des pas sur la neige" or "Footsteps in the Snow", and paints a poetic picture with repeating rhythms and colorful chords, all the time while looking for a way forward. It's hard to put this type of evocative art into exact words, but we can nevertheless look closer at the musical material to see …

Let’s start episode 709 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Thinh, and Thinh writes ​Hello Vidas, Just let you know that I'm new to the organ. However, I had 3+ years studying classical piano when I was young. I have been working on playing foot pedals for a few weeks (first lesson of Pedal Virtuoso Master Course and not …

Edward Elgar wrote his famous "Salut d'Amour" as an engagement present to his fiancée Alice Caroline Robert. The original conception of the music was probably for violin and piano, but that didn't stop Elgar from writing a version for piano solo: a beautiful song without words and a great encore. With pianist Henrik Kilhamn. Video: https://youtu.be…

My take on the newly discovered Chopin (?) Waltz in A minor (Morgan Library, 2024) Video: https://youtu.be/BhIyT79Y_CI

This is one of the most interesting piano sonatas of the early 20th century. Scriabin pushes the boundaries both in musical expression, harmonic coherence and structural integration in this amazing work, so full of life and creative spirit. It's also nice to be able to do a substantial analysis play-through when I have the music in my hands, since …

This is a great piece for beginners who have started to play separately with the hands. Robert Schumann wrote the whole "Album for the Young" Op. 68 for his three daughters to learn piano properly, and still to this day it's a great educational resource for getting started with a romantic conception of piano playing. Henrik Kilhamn takes you throug…

This poignant prelude from Chopin's set of Op. 28 is one page and about 2,5 minutes long. That's almost the length of a modern pop song, but it still contains more interesting musical ideas than most in that genre. It's a great piece for intermediate players, and here I give some playing tips before going through the piece again to inspect those id…

Let’s start episode 707 of Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast. This question was sent by Fanie. And she writes: Dear Vidas, I am an adult beginner, so I have different needs. 1. What is your dream for organ playing? To play chorales in the church and play music which I love, like Bach, Buxtehude, Bohm, Franck, Mendelssohn, Guilmant, Vierne, Widor etc…

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we welcome Tiffany Poon, a renowned classical pianist born in Hong Kong in 1996 and currently based in New York City. Tiffany shares her extraordinary journey from moving to New York at nine years old to join Juilliard's prestigious pre-college division on a full scholarship, studying under Yo Kalinsky. Her…

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, Heather Fandrich provides an in-depth exploration of the Fandrich Vertical Action, highlighting its innovations in reliability and responsiveness compared to traditional upright actions. She explains the Fandrich-Rhodes method of weighing off actions, a technique highly regarded across the piano industry fo…

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we are pleased to introduce Eric Clark and Hannah Reimann, two highly acclaimed pianists renowned for their masterful interpretations of various classical composers, including Stravinsky, Liszt, Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Bach, Haydn, Grieg, and Tchaikovsky. Eric and Hannah share insights into their musical…

In Episode 80 of Piano Tech Radio Hour, host Eathan Janney takes us on a captivating journey into the Peruvian Presidential Palace, where two exceptional pianos—a Steinway and a historic Pleyel—await discovery. Building on the stories shared in previous episodes, this exploration highlights the unique craftsmanship, cultural significance, and prese…