Learn Keyboard (Music) with Free Lessons & Tips

• Yamaha PSS-F30, 37-Keys Portable Mini Keyboard.
• Casiotone Mini Keyboard SA-80 with Piano tones, White (44 Keys)
• Casio CT-X9000IN 61-Key Portable Keyboard.

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Pianos use hammers to strike strings, creating a dynamic range of sound. Harpsichords pluck strings, resulting in a distinct, harp-like tone. Organs use air to produce sound through pipes or electronic means. Keyboards encompass a broad category, including various electronic and digital instruments.

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Johann Sebastian Bach's keyboard music can sound great on all three instruments, but the most authentic and suitable choice depends on the specific piece and the desired sound: 1. _Harpsichord_: Bach's Baroque-era music was primarily written for the harpsichord, which provides a bright, crisp sound. Harpsichord is ideal for: - Inventions - Sinfonias - Partitas - English Suites 2. _Organ_: Bach was a master organist, and his organ music takes advantage of the instrument's unique capabilities. Organ is ideal for: - Toccatas - Fantasias - Preludes - Fugues 3. _Piano_: While Bach didn't write specifically for the piano (it wasn't invented during his lifetime), his music can be adapted to the piano. Piano is suitable for: - Transcriptions of harpsichord or organ works - Smaller-scale pieces like the Inventions or Sinfonias - Expressive, nuanced performances of Bach's more introspective works Keep in mind that Bach's music is versatile, and different instruments can bring unique perspectives to his compositions. Harpsichord and organ provide a more historically authentic sound, while piano offers a more expressive, Romantic interpretation. read less

Rubato, or expressive tempo flexibility, is a delicate matter in Baroque keyboard music. While some flexibility is acceptable, excessive rubato can compromise the music's structural integrity and stylistic authenticity. In Baroque music, a moderate amount of rubato is suitable for: 1. Emotional expression: Adding nuance and feeling to melodies, especially in slower movements. 2. Rhetorical emphasis: Highlighting important musical ideas or cadences. 3. Ornamentation: Accommodating intricate ornaments and trills. However, excessive rubato can lead to: 1. Distortion of rhythm and meter 2. Disruption of the music's forward momentum 3. Loss of clarity and articulation As a general guideline, consider the following: - In faster movements, maintain a relatively steady tempo, with subtle rubato for emphasis. - In slower movements, more expressive rubato is acceptable, but avoid excessive slowing or dragging. - In general, aim for a balance between expression and structural integrity. Some notable Baroque keyboard performers and their approaches to rubato include: - Gustav Leonhardt (harpsichord): subtle, restrained rubato - Glenn Gould (piano): distinctive, expressive rubato - Ton Koopman (harpsichord): nuanced, flexible rubato Remember, the key is to find a balance between expression and authenticity, respecting the composer's intent while adding your own musicality. read less