Poulenc Mvt. 3

by Courtney
(Los Angeles, CA)

Are there any alternate fingerings for measure 5-13? I just can't seems to nail measure 9 double tonguing which trips me up for the rest of the work. I played it in college, but I could only master the quarter note at 144. So I would like to revisit the work. Thanks for your help.

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Hi, Courtney.

This is such a great piece!

In measure 9, you can play the high E with just the left hand fingers. Essentially, you're overblowing an A above the staff so that an E comes out. And, you're only moving the left hand fingers with no cross fingering.

For the double tonguing in measures 9 and 10, practice with just the second syllable, either "ga" or "ka." Play in a slow tempo and play "ka" "ka" "ka" slurred note. Do this several times and gradually work up your speed.

Then go back to "ta" "ka" for the tonguing. This develops the weak syllable, "ka."

See my discussion of tonguing here.

Be sure to practice slowly!