The Test of Relaxation

The only way to successfully play the third movement of the Concerto in G Major by Maurice Ravel is to have a constant balance between strength and relaxation. It’s the shortest of all the movements, but the most challenging to endure. As I practiced, I had to find moments to relax the hand in between chords or  between passages in order to prevent tension. There is so much life in this music that it requires a consistent mindset of living in the moment of performing and not thinking too far ahead; otherwise, it’s easy to become distracted by any tension in the hands, arms or even shoulders. After performing this piece with Anne Louise-Turgeon, I’ll never forget the feeling of satisfaction. Hard work pays off.