Natural Fingering: A Topographical Approach to Pianism

Though incomplete at the time of his death in 1849, Chopin's Projet de methode was nonetheless revolutionary in many respects. But with his Fundamental Pattern, Chopin announced the recognition, if not discovery, of the keyboard's extraordinary topographical symmetry and postulated a core formulation for a new "pianistic" pedagogy. More than a hundred years later the now-legendary Heinrich Neuhaus would passionately plead for this pedagogy and a pianism rooted in it. Natural Fingering explores this remarkable symmetry, significantly as it sheds light on fingering matters for the now vast catalogue of repertoire. It also examines the revolutionary impact of equal temperament on compositional key choice as well as the liberating influence of Charles Eschmann-Dumur's unique discoveries regarding symmetrical inversion. Principles for a topographically-based fingering strategy are developed that reflect a surprising compatibility of this fixed symmetrical organization with the most efficient biokinetic capabilities of the pianist's playing mechanism. Previously neglected or overlooked technical aspects of pianism are addressed as they relate to movement in keyboard space generally as well as fingering specifically. Symmetrical fingerings for all the fundamental forms are presented in innovative, instructive format. The reader will also find an unusually extensive, in-depth discussion of double note challenges. Answering Neuhaus's call for the reappraisal of a certain pedagogical status quo, several chapters are devoted to the relevant implications of Chopin's Fundamental Pattern. The author also advances guidelines for a progressive implementation of natural fingering principles from the very start, as well as "retooling" for teachers and students alike. Of special note are the cross-hand major and minor scales for the earliest stages, in which the necessity of thumb under/hand over pivoting actions is eliminated. Natural Fingering is the first comprehensive discussion of fingering solutions for pianists since Hummel's monumental treatise of 1828. The book is complemented by a companion website where readers can access excerpts from the repertoire with fingering solutions, read extended discussions, and download comprehensive lists of scales with appropriate fingerings.

"Jon Verbalis has contributed an original and thought-provoking addition to the literature of piano pedagogy. Natural Fingering is an indispensable guidebook of primary importance to piano teachers, students, and piano music lovers of all levels. As a guidebook to the choreography of the hand, it is simply unsurpassed and all-encompassing in scope." --Sara Davis Buechner, concert pianist

"This book is a search not so much for fingerings as for overriding principles of fingering. Some of Verbalis's conclusions will help codify what the "hand" already knows; others pose intriguing challenges to unexamined convention." --Joseph Smith, pianist, writer, anthologist

"An intriguing journey through a treasure trove for teacher, student and performer. Written with insight and clarity, this volume speaks, first and foremost, to the musician in each." --Ernest Ragogini, DMA, Concert pianist, Professor of Music at Notre Dame of Maryland University

About the Companion Website		xv
Introduction		3	(22)
PART ONE Fundamental Forms as Foundation
1 The Major Scales		25	(11)
2 The Major Connection and Minor Scales		36	(17)
3 Chords, Arpeggios and Extended Harmonies		53	(14)
4 Other Scale Fingerings; Chromatic-Diatonic Compounds		67	(11)
5 Core Topographies and Rational Solutions		78	(17)
PART TWO The Double Note Challenge
6 Double Thirds: An Overview in an Evolutionary Context		95	(8)
7 Toward a More Rational Fingering for Double Notes		103	(18)
8 Double Sixths and Other Double Notes		121	(20)
PART THREE Topography, Strategy and Symmetry
9 Fundamental Strategies		141	(7)
10 Fundamental Principles for a Natural Fingering		148	(7)
11 Topography, Symmetry and Lines of Action		155	(22)
PART FOUR The Topographical Advantage, Explorations in Keyboard Space
12 Topography and Pedagogy		177	(16)
13 Topography and Tonality		193	(14)
14 Intimations of Symmetry		207	(12)
Epilogue		219	(4)
Notes		223	(12)
Glossary		235	(6)
Bibliography		241	(8)
Index		249