Stiffness in the wrist results from an unmindful use of it. When practising octaves or double notes think always of holding the arm and its joints in a loose, limber condition, and when you feel fatigued do not fail to stop until the muscular contraction is relieved. In a little while you will see your conscientious practising rewarded by acquiring an elasticity commensurate with your general physical status.
Premature Fatigue in the Arms
Why does it tire my arms when I play octaves and a continuation of little runs? How can I avoid it, so that they will feel free and easy?
Premature fatigue is usually caused by undue muscular contraction. Keep your arms and wrists loose and you will find that the fatigue disappears. For your sensation of fatigue may be due, not to exhaustion of muscular power, but to a stoppage of circulation caused by an unconscious stiffening of the wrist. Change the position of the wrist from high to low and vice versa whenever you feel the "fatigue" coming on.
Kullak's "Method of Octaves" Still Good
Is Kullak's "Method of Octaves" still one of the best in its line? or can you recommend something better?
Since the days when Kullak's "School of Octaves" was printed, experience has taught us some things which might be added to it, but nothing that would contradict it. Nor, so far as I know, has anything better appeared in print than the first volume of that work especially.
[18. REPETITION TECHNIQUE]
The Difficulty of Playing Repetition Notes
Please help me about my repetition notes. When I wish to play them rapidly it seems that the key does not always produce a sound? Is it because of my touch?