160 Eight-Measure Exercises No.18

Description

In G major and 3/8, the left hand runs through a thirty-second-note figure mixing steps with small leaps, G, A, B, C, B, D, C, B. Nearly all of its notes are thirty-seconds, while the right hand plays thirds as eighth notes, sometimes adding three-note chords, to set the harmony above. It lasts about 20 seconds, with 136 notes.

It is the last of the G major group in Op. 821, and here the left hand takes the lead once more, carrying the fine motion.

It is rated beginner, but evening out the left-hand thirty-second notes takes work. The figure gradually shifts downwards as it changes shape, so checking how it moves in the score view makes it easier to learn. In the right hand, the key point is lining the fingers up so that both notes of each third sound together. Slow the playback first, follow the left hand with the hand colours, and secure it one bar at a time with an A-B loop. The range runs from F#2 to D6, which fits a 61-key keyboard.

A set of 160 short studies by Czerny, each condensed into just eight measures so a single technical point can be worked on quickly. Their brevity makes them well suited to beginners building basic piano technique efficiently.