Playing the 'Unplayable' Concerto

spamguy — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:20:38 -0800

I want to learn to play the opening bars of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto #1...without being able to play the piano. Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto #1 in B Flat Minor is easily my favourite piano concerto, and by my favourite composer to boot. Rubenstein called it 'unplayable.' Despite that I'd love to learn how to play the famous opening solo. There's just one problem...I can't play the piano.

I play the violin reasonably well, have good background in theory, and even compose for full orchestra. When it comes to piano, though, I can only punch out simple melodies with one hand. To make things harder, I have baby hands, well under average size for an adult male.

Despite all this, learning the solo part would be the ultimate tribute (not to mention the ultimate party trick). The orchestral score is already in my possession, and a copy is available online too. I don't want to have to go through piano lessons, at least not for the sake of a lark.

Any pianists here have tips or tricks for learning complicated music, especially those directed at a newb? Also welcome are indications that I'm out of my mind.

For your trouble, a topical Monty Python YT.

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Playing the 'Unplayable' Concerto