This, the second aria sung by the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s The Magic Flute should be on every accompanist’s list of frequently encountered arias. Although not extremely difficult, certain passages might quickly reveal how much time has passed since the pianist last practiced the aria. The advice appearing below can improve consistency and accuracy.
Tactile Tips - Your brain will thank you!
- Measures 1-3: The pianist should decide between two means of performing this opening. Most often, the left hand begins the sixteenth notes. The right hand crosses over to play the bass melody in the second measure, quickly leaping back up to its appropriate spot in measure three. Alternately, if the pianist is worried about clarity and sharpness in the sixteenth-note tremolo, the right hand may begin the opening measure with the left hand playing the bass melody in measure two. Both hands will have to leap into position in measure three, but the entrance of the singer coupled with subtle use of the pedal can help mask this jump. See this technique here. Do not change this figure to eighth-note block chords as is sometimes heard. It would be more beneficial in the long run to seek out various exercises and technical hints to build the technical ability to play this as written.
- Measures 52-64: Many pianists recommend the following hand division for mental consistency in this passage. Observe how the notes of measure fifty-two are arranged, with thirds in the left hand. Measure fifty-three should also be played with thirds in the left hand. In other words, beginning on the second eighth-note of the measure, the notes arriving every half-beat (A, Bb, C, etc.) are visually slid down to form thirds in the left hand. These thirds are then alternated with the top F being played by the right hand. This same technique can be applied through measure sixty-four.
Click on the above headings to open information related to the composition! If you have any advice you are willing to contribute concerning this music, feel free to contact us. The inclusion of information is at the discretion of the PianoHandyman Committee and those who submit agree to relinquish any ownership claim and allow the information to become public knowledge. We are happy to list contributors on our Contributor’s List.