Playing big piano chords

[Onur]

I've had the day off work and have spent most of it playing Rachmaninoff. (Hello neighbours!)

I find it really quite addictive, playing these big chords. I mean, it is thrilling to me. I get it from octave runs as well eg in Beethoven but for my really big fix only Rachmaninoff will do.

Does anyone else find this?

I do lots of stretching and take breaks to make sure I don't hurt myself so I am sensible about it but if it were possible I would just spend all day every day playing big chords.

Is this weird? If you are the same, how do you limit yourself?

Im jealous! Dont think i could ever aspire to Rachmaninov! Im struggling to learn the very easy succession soundtrack 🤪

There's quite a bit of leaping about in that isn't there? Also strong melodic line and flat notes I think. Sounds quite a lot like Rachmaninoff to me. 😄

Any excuse to post again...

I do understand the adrenaline rush in playing the Rachmaninov.
I love taking a Bach prelude and playing each group of notes as a chord and really hear those marvellous chord progressions.

@WaverOfSticks LOL 🤣 that is brilliant.

Ofc the thing with that prelude is that every pianist regardless of their reach doesn't play it as written because one cannot span four octaves with two hands in one single chord hahaha! And after admitting that then just get through the rest haha 😆

@Fergie I will admit that I don't have the patience for that 😭

I admire people who can play Bach. I admire them very much. It doesn't work for me. I need cheap thrills.

This here, I can play the rolling left hand again and again. I still remember the day/hour/place I was when I got it to roll for the first time. The feeling was indescribable

I am re learning Rachmaninoff Prelude Op 3 No 2. I managed it 10 years ago but Bach is my usual comfort zone.
I'm OK until the really big double handed chords at the end