In my point of view, Hummel is so much more interesting from the pedagogical standpoint than performance. There is no doubt about his capability and virtuosity in piano playing, but I would say his importance as a performer was just too much shadowed by the two big stars, Mozart and Beethoven, at his time. However his treatises unquestionably earn a significant place in pedagogy history.
It is truly surprising to find out so many of nowadays teaching strategy and philosophy are all reflected from Hummel. He acknowledged the role of parents, teachers and students taking part in the educational process; he introduced ‘grading’ compositions according to the compositions; and also the idea of mixing exercises with stylistic repertoire for progressive learning . I don’t know if Hummel is the first to mention these thoughts but obviously they’re something so important that indeed we’re still following them nowadays.
I don’t feel like the technical part, or so to speak the physical description part, in his treatises are significantly helpful to pianists nowadays (probably more valuable on the historical perspective, alike Clementi’s exercises we discussed last week) as the instrument and technique we’re using advanced so much from there.
I disagree from the chapter ‘on musical performance in general’ Hummel’s intention in separating mechanism and musicality in piano playing. This thought is rather contradictory to what we’ve been thinking on musical solutions towards technical problems. I also doubted if the expressiveness and beauty of music ‘can neither be taught nor acquired’. It sounds mean.
Nevertheless I respect Hummel the person very much. I can imagine how much pressure he was suffering throughout his time, yet he never give up and keep working truthfully towards himself. Even though he did not earn as much fame and popularity as some of his contemporaries, still he absolutely is an adorable musician.
Yes... We need to learn Hummel's personality, especially a positive attitude toward himself and a studying attitude continuously.
ReplyDeleteI also had my doubts about the ability to teach the feeling/expressiveness that Hummel refers to, but maybe he meant only through verbal or written lessons. Some of the passages that follow seem to contain advice that would serve to awaken expression, such as through listening to good musicians and understanding the differences in character in pieces.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Hummel made a lot of contribution on the piano pedagogy. Even now, His methods and views are widely accepted by piano teachers and students.
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