What techniques are important for being a good Baroque-style keyboardist?

Question

I'm a very technical player, and would like to know what techniques are necessary to make it truer to the Baroque style.

I try to play with as much precision as I can. I try to make my staccato very prickly, my legato very smooth, and normal notes exactly between. At the same time, I do my best to keep the emotion there. I also do my best to keep the left and right hands even so the counterpoint is heard and the left hand very smooth. My favorite composer is J.S Bach.

Answer 1

Using portato is a way to show off your knowledge of the Baroque period. JS Bach mainly used staccatos called "portato". (Not potato, portato... haha). They are almost legato, but with a distinctly separated space inbetween, very different from the staccato. The "portato" is a mixture between staccato and legato.

Because they played music on harpsichords and clavichords, they couldn't always acheive the prickly sound, for the harpsichord and clavichord's music is made when strings are plucked, instead of hit like a piano's strings.

Answer 2

It really depends on the instrument. If you're playing a harpsichord you want to keep your notes light; if it's an organ the touch will be different. As you've noted, the key to baroque music was often counterpoint and it's always important to keep the two melodies distinguishable (if that's a word! LOL!) from one another. Listen to something by Scarlatti --

Answer 3

It sounds you're doing a good work already.You look like a very discipline student.You'd better find a very good teacher who is specialized in Bach music.I'm dedicated to the romantic era.Good luck and don't forget:Time is the best censor and practice the most excellent teacher!

Answer 4

Obviously no pedal. Additionally, one requirement is to make each of the voices equally important. That means very very clean playing.