Leaps are one of the most exposed moments in piano playing. When the distance is wide and the tempo is unforgiving, even experienced pianists can feel their confidence slip.
In this short video filmed at tonebase headquarters, Haochen Zhang shares how he approaches these moments in works by Beethoven, Liszt, and Prokofiev.
Rather than relying on constant visual checking, Haochen explains how locating a single anchor note can stabilize an entire chord. He also demonstrates why practicing with eyes closed helps the hand internalize distance, and how reducing a leap to one physical gesture lowers mental and physical tension.
This excerpt offers a rare look into how an elite performer manages extreme technical demands with calm and clarity. It’s a focused introduction to ideas that are explored in greater depth throughout Haochen’s full course on Liszt's B minor Sonata on tonebase.
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