About the piece
Charles-Louis Hanon published The Virtuoso Pianist in 1873: sixty exercises to make every finger even and agile. The first one is the most famous.
The same eight-note figure climbs step by step up the keyboard, with the hands an octave apart, and then comes down.
How to practise it
- Slowly and with a metronome: the goal is evenness between the fingers, not speed.
- Relaxed wrist and arm: if you feel tension, stop.
- A few minutes a day are enough; better as a warm-up than for half an hour.
- Once you know it, try it soft, loud, staccato and legato.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hanon really help?
Used in moderation and without tension, it helps finger independence; many teachers recommend it as a warm-up.
How often should I play it?
A few minutes a day, always relaxed.