Rotation

Hello, I was watching a video of octaves played by Argerich and i was noticing that whenever she came to play a new group of octaves she came in with a slight rotation of the hand (half supination and back) ,i was wondering is it because it gives a slight emphasis on the first octave to the sound or is it due to mechanical reasons of the hand-arm to make it easier to play? On that same topic i also looked up on boxers and found out that before the punch they do a slight rotation of the arm so that it gives them a more powerful punch...so it the same idea in playing? Thank a lot

Hi, We have a few videos on octaves and rotation on pianotechnique.org Octaves Rotation Many of the things Alan talks about are compatible and interchangeable. Let us know how it goes. Jovan

Hi, Just watched all of those videos and still could not find the answer to my question (thanks links though...)

Hello Michal, I think your explanation for Argerich's movement as well as the boxer's movement is spot on. My latest way of explaining it: When we walk, there is always a slight bit of rotation through the pelvis. The tiny rotation allows greater functionality, moveability, linking all the parts into a sinuous whole. The same goes for the wrist in piano playing. This is NOT the undulating wrist motions, it is a very precise and miniscule rotation, the minimum needed to get the hand out of fixation. AFF