staccatos vs. light accents? Whats the difference?

[Shagdac]

Some works with Beethoven and Schubert (there may be others, I don't know) in early 1800's have the dots like staccato, however are referred to as 'light accents" instead. How can one practice their technique on this to assure the difference noticable......or is it? Appreciate any help? Thanks.

Shag

[dj]

it's really quite a subtle , in fact i think it would b kinda hard to explain. you should have your teacher show it 2 u. but staccato didn't mean the same thing in the classical era as it does now. when playing beethoven and schubert staccatos, don't just smack the key like you would for a modern piece, instead, play it like a quarter note (or whatever kind of note it is), only let off earlier than you normally would. as i said, it's kinda hard to explain, anyways, good luck.....maybe bernhard will post and make everything all clear  

[bernhard]

I agree with dj.

This has to be demonstrated and heard. It is not really a matter of "touch" but of the "effect". It does not matter which technique (movement, touch, etc.) you use, but rather that you obtain the effect. So first you must get used to the effect (that is, the sound), then you keep changing your way of playing until you get it.

You have two options:

i. As dj said, ask for someone knowledgeable to demonstrate it for you (=teacher)

ii. Listen to a CD/performance of the piece you are interested in by a pianist who believes in authenticity (e.g. Brendel, Tureck) and avoid the pianists that are into a"personal" interpretation (e.g. Pletnev, Pogorelich).

Please do no misunderstand me: Avoid "personal pianists" only for the didactical purpose of getting the authentic sound effect. The "personal" pianists are often the most interesting and not to be avoided in any other circumstaces.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[Shagdac]

Thanks Berhard and DJ...I was able to hear this demonstrated, and with your explanations...by george, I think I've got it!

Thanks
Shag