Writing in fingering and pedaling for early music

By Vidas Pinkevicius (get free updates of new posts here)

Today I recorded a video for David from Florida who asked my help in playing Handel's Largo.

He is 71 years old and still trying to improve. Good for him!

It's not too late. We never stop improving. Only when we stop living we can relax a bit.

I noticed right away that he struggled with knowing what kind of fingers and pedals to use so I prepared a score for him with fingering and pedaling.

Now he can progress much faster.

Here are the rules I used if you want to do it for your own piece (created until 1800's):

1. For pedals, don't use heels.
2. For pedals primarily aim for alternate toes.
3. Do not cross your feet. Move them both together at the same time as one unit.
4. Same toes for long notes, extreme edges of the pedalboard and when the melody changes direction.
5. For hands, don't use finger substitution.
6. Use 2, 3, or 4 whenever possible.
7. Don't use finger glissandos.
8. The same fingers for the same intervals.

Try this system when you're working on the early music piece.

It helps you achieve singing articulate legato touch automatically, almost without thinking.

If you need help with anything or feel stuck, let me know.