The Messiah

Hello
I sight read the Messiah at our first practice today and I was unaware of the many harmonic runs with thirds in some of the pieces. I was wondering the techniques that you use in order to accomplish this, or if you omit the third and just play the run.
I did pretty well today, except for long runs.
I also have figured out that I need to strengthen my fourth finger to be more independent, because I know those runs would be easier to play then. I have begun to use the Hanon exercises which I haven't gotten to in a while, but was also wondering what you use for fourth finger strengthening.

Thanks

 

I'm not very big on Hanon at all, but when it comes to simple finger strengthening, he made some great exercises. Here's the one you want to work with:

C-D-E-D-C-D-E-D-C-A-G-F-E-F-D-E-F-E-D-E-F-E-D-B-A-G-F-G-E and so on just like Hanon does.

It works your 4th and 5th on your left hand on the way up, and on your right hand's 4th and 5th on the way down. I hope that was helpful.

 

thanks

Ok that sounds good. What number is it in the Hanon. Is it the Virtuouso book?

Thanks

 

One thing to consider when working with your 4th and 5th fingers in particular is to create a straight line from the finger to your fore arm. This is where the muscles are located that control your fingers.

If your hand is such that the line follows from your 3rd finger to your fore arm, then there is a little bend in the tendons to your 4th and 5th fingers. By adjusting your hand so the the line is direct from the 4th or 5th to your fore arm, then you straighten out that tendon and can give your self a little added flexibilty and control.

 

So that's why that works... I've always wondered!