Lecture: The Russian Method, by Vadim Monastyrski

Minute 09:39: that's marvelous! This introduction of the Rachmaninov prelude sounds so rich of different colors, deep running and orchestral. This short introduction is on a world class level and indicates a deep deep dive into the art to compose, starting with Haendel, Bach, the Italian composers up to the centuries. And than this fantastic russian approach in composition. Wow! This man is a real true musician and he knows everything about music, literature and arts! Fantastic! That's what we can't see in a large range in the US nor in Europe. this few bars of that Rachmaninov prelude sounds absolutely breathtaking! Thank you so much to this teacher and musician!

This is far the most informative, generous and of a high level tutorial on Russian piano technique available on YouTube. Thanks a lot to Mr. Monastyrski!

Video highlights: 00:55. Describing the Russian method - not an easy task. 01:28. Let's turn to Russian history: the cultural 'lag' from the 16th-18th centuries, and the remarkable leap from the 19th century. 03:35. What does the term 'Russian Piano School' really mean? Main characteristics: the connection to singing, the melodiousness of sound that comes from Russian songs. 04:14. Piano touch - how is the melodious sound created? The Moscow and St. Petersburg Conservatories founded by the Rubinstein brothers - the cradles of professional musical education. 05:27. How do we make the piano sound SING? The importance of the first piano lessons: how to play the first note (the whole-arm weighted non-legato key attack). 06:11. The importance of weight, whole-arm action, arm/wrist looseness and flexibility for creating a melodious, full sound. 08:46. The deep, 'free-sinking' weighted key attack - essential in playing Rachmaninoff. How to avoid a 'banging' sound. 11:14. Scriabin and the evolution of his style and sound: the church bells and the 'flight'. How do we learn to 'flutter'? The delicate and loose 'caressing' touch. 12:46. The 'falling arm' exercise (learning how to 'disconnect' your arm and make it completely loose) - useful for understanding what weight really is. 13:15. Returning to Scriabin and the 'caressing' touch. The gentle stroke needed for creating an 'evaporating', 'melting' effect. The 'upward' vs 'downward' direction of movement (Scriabin vs Rachmaninoff). 15:18. The way Prokofiev 'burst' into the musical world. The needed touch for playing his works - 'fingers of steel'! The 'hammer-striking' instrument. 19:54. The 'bell-like' sound (introduced by Mussorgsky) - the element that connects all Russian composers. The bell tolls that accompanied a person from birth to death. 23:21. The special pedaling approach needed for creating this 'bell atmosphere'. 24:48. The bells and the 'piano roar' from Mussorgsky's works. The orchestral capabilities of our instrument. 25:49. The bells in Shostakovich's music. Bells, weight, free shoulders and arms - something teachers must 'preach' during every lesson :). 26:48. The same piano can sound absolutely different when played by different people. Emil Gilels's sound and technique. 27:15. Singing at the piano. Weight transfer and the 'hitless' (gradual) touch. Legato - the key to the piano. 29:57. Intonation. 33:12. Legato playing as a deity - the main attitude which distinguishes the Russian school. Differences between the European and Russian piano schools. 35:36. Playing 'without hammers'. There is a bow, and there is singing.

I am a father and an ametuer pianist, this gives me lots of inspiration, and I would try my best to pass this knowledge down to my children. Thank you Master Vadim

This video is underrated. I had a great time with this, and i am sure you guys will agree that it was provoking and thoughtful.

I would like to express my thanks for the English subtitles on this video.

Mr. Monastyrski this lecture truly changed my life. The best piano approach i've ever watched, without a hyperbole! Viva to the russian school.

Love this teaching….

Браво!!!! Огромное Вам СПАСИБО за прекрасную лекцию, замечательную игру и Ваши глубокие знания!!! Низкий Вам поклон за русскую школу!!!!

In 1993 in Oklahoma City I had an Armenian piano teacher who went to the Moscow Conservatory. I feel very lucky to have had lessons with him.

Such an insightful masterclass from Vadim Monastyrski!!! He has given me a wonderful technique for learning how to play the piano. I am deeply indebted to him.

For the first time in my life, I guess I eventually understand what the Russian method relies on. Thank you 🙏

Замечательный урок. Огромное удовольствие. Спасибо.

Thanks a lot. I have no chance before to learn what the Russian school is. It's beautiful.

The greatest, most informative document I have seen on this topic. Profound!

Thanks a LOT,dear Vadim!

Самое Лучшее объяснение которое я слышал. Всё то что вам кажется правда… Постоянно слушаю вашу лекцию и Вспоминаю своих учителей своего отца.

Sir, I agreed with you 100%. I met Vladimir Ashkenazy in Sydney. I have applied "weight"method and discovered lots of speed and relaxation that surpasses finger power only.

I came here, and I went loving russian music. What a great video omg

Браво миллион раз ........