What exactly is considered a technical piece?
So for auditions I've been asked to prepare a lyrical and a technical piece. I have an idea of what a lyrical piece is like but I'm not exactly sure anymore as to what a technical piece is. I've always thought of a technical piece as a piece that requires knowledge o various techniques and is usually rather difficult to play and at times can be very virtuosic. But I'm not so sure anymore.
Replies (8)
Christian, an old-school teacher put it this way once; a 'lyric' piece is one where the listeners can sit back and bask in the music, while a 'technical' piece has them on the edge of their chairs, wondering if you can really do it. That's even starker than Tom's, I guess.
Actually that's a lot like my "Twinkleiana" that I just premiered at my recent recital!
Was the recital recorded Raphael?
Greetings,
mmmm...
when Menuhin recorded Wieniawski`s Scherzo Tarantella at age 16 0r whatever he transformed it into a lyrical singing work that takes ones breathe away. That is violin art at the highest level.
When Akiko Suwanai ( a truly fabuluous violinst by any standard) plays it on you tube it is once more a technical work. That is technique at it`s highest level but something is lost.
When Menuhin rerecorded at around forty I sense he was trying to prove something and that heavenly art is a mere shadow. The piece has become a technical work again.
Statistically speaking, the Suwanai has 133 981 views. the later Menuihn version has around 190 000 views.
The truly heart stopping early Menuhin recording has about 10 000! From this I derive a great sense of sadness and loss so I am going to lie under my futon eating chocolate until the 21st century goes away.
Chomp,
Buri
No, Jon. Maybe I'll record it one day along with my 2 caprices and many transcriptions. But it ain't easy!!
What they are looking for is most likely contrast, as in the middle movement of a concerto (lyrical) compared with the last movement (technical). I've always understood the term lyrical to mean that the music has a song-like quality about it. It could be easily sung. For your technical piece, pick something that could not be easily sung. Something that is written idiomatically for the instrument - could include fast passagework, arpeggios, double-stops, etc. Without knowing your level, it's difficult to say what a technical piece is for you.
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August 19, 2011 at 08:58 PM ·
I think your understanding is correct. My understanding is that lyrical is really about your ability to interpret the music, and technical is about your technique other than interpretation. An example of the former type might be Meditation from Thais, and an example of the latter might be Introduction and Rondo Capricioso. Obivously, the distinction is not quite as stark as I have painted it, but you get the point.