Here's the problem: Chopin Nocturne Op 9 No 2, and the short trill that's introduced in measure 7 is just bedeviling me to bits.
I was taught that a trill, even a short one, cannot be played with two alternating fingers. It has to be 2-3-1-3-2-3-1-3 and so on. To me, though, the result seemed to be so wooden with that wretched thumb banging down over and over.
By contrast, the finishing 12-repeat flourish in the final bars of the piece is a snap. I've got four fingers striking four keys in a repeated patttern and I can race right through it at this point. Sounds kind of nice, too.

So, tell me, please -- what makes this simple two-note job such a chore and is there any way to make it easier? Is it acceptable at all nowadays to just crush the thing with a 2-3-2-3-2-3 approach? Or what?

Thanks! -- susi

Dear susi:

OF COURSE... you can play the trill with whichever fingers come the easiest for you. I've never heard the rule of which you speak.

Play it the way you want to...the result is the important thing.

Cheers and good choice for a nocturne.

Kathleen

Every day I thank my lucky stars that new age music has practically no trills. :p

I'm sorry that's what you were taught. It is untrue.

Holy smokes! The shackles of thumb-trilling falls from my shoulders! (or wherever they were) I am released to the freedom of two-finger trills! Hurrah! Tyranny has been vanquished!

Thank you, oh wise ones of Pianoworld ABF. I go to the keyboard tonight with a happy heart!

Huzzah!

--susi