Three Character Studies: Piano (Solo)

These three pieces work because Hersch commits fully to a single technical focus in each one, making the pedagogical aim transparent without sacrificing musicality. Students see immediately that a study can be genuinely expressive, and teachers gain repertoire that develops specific skills while honoring the personalities and relationships that sparked the writing.

The nocturne evokes the romantic introspection of Scriabin and Rachmaninoff through solo left hand writing. 'The Little Spinning Song' dances with a light, almost whimsical momentum. The final study in thirds and sixths sparkles with rhythmic playfulness, capturing spirited movement across the keyboard.

Advanced intermediate to early advanced pianists ready for pieces that reward close attention to texture and voicing. These studies suit students preparing for recitals or competitions who want repertoire that develops specific technical skills while remaining artistically satisfying.

• Attend to the left hand independence in the nocturne; since it carries the entire piece alone, clarity and singing tone must come from the lower register without harmonic support from the right.
• Let the repetitive figures in 'The Little Spinning Song' maintain forward motion; resist the urge to slow down, which undercuts the kinetic energy the piece relies on.
• Shape the scalar passage work in the study through subtle dynamic shaping rather than mechanical evenness; this transforms technique into music.

Program these as a set in a student recital or spread them across different concerts to suit various programming needs. The nocturne pairs well with other contemporary romantic works; the spinning song works as a charming encore or bridge between larger pieces; the thirds and sixths study complements other contemporary technical repertoire.

• Left hand independence and singing tone in solo voicing
• Scalar and figuration evenness across both hands
• Voicing clarity when playing thirds and sixths in rapid succession
• Sustaining musical phrase within a single technical focus