This page © 1997 by Kevin Purrone

A. Muzio Clementi and the Viennese School


1. Clementi, Muzio. "Introduction to the Art of Playing on the Piano Forte" (New York: Da Capo Press, 1974 (originally published in 1801)

2. Ingredients of the technique


1. Mostly finger touch


3. Technical Methods of Performing


a. Staccato


1. Lift the finger up as soon as it has struck the key


b. Portamento


1. Called "less staccato"

2. Hold down the finger "somewhat longer"


c. Legato


1. "Smooth and close manner which is done by keeping down the first key until the next is struck by which means the strings vibrate sweetly into one another"


d. Fingering


1. Produce the best musical effect in the easiest way possible
2. The effect is more important than the ease of playing
3. Avoid the thumb on the black keys
4. Change fingers on repeated notes only when they are too fast to perform with one finger


e. Hand and Arm Movements [WARNING: this produces stiffness]


1. Hand and arm are held in a horizontal position
2. The wrist should not move higher or lower
3. The fingers are over the keys always ready to strike
4. Bend the finger proportionally to their length
5. Avoid all unnecessary motion


f. No significant discussion of tone

g. Other


1. Practice scales and exercises of all types including double thirds, sixths, repeated notes, extensions, finger substitutions, and sliding the fingers from a black key to a white key

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