‘Who developed the concept of playing from memory?’ This question is often the one asked by many piano pupils, conservatoire students, and professionals. Memorising a work, or playing without the score, certainly puts extra strain on an artist. Every note must be meticulously rehearsed and learned to the point of distraction. In some cases, might I suggest, it becomes an obsession. Whilst a small number of pianists find memorising a piano piece relatively easy, others struggle. They live in fear of the errant memory lapse on stage. Who do we have to thank for this gargantuan task?

The piano gained prominence in the middle of the Nineteenth century during the Romantic era. Before this period, pianists were lucky to appear briefly in a concert. They certainly did not play from memory.

A pianist then came along who changed all that forever; Franz Liszt (1811-1886). Liszt single handedly developed the concept of the solo recital (his terminology, too). Before Liszt it was unthinkable to have a whole evening concert featuring one artist playing just one instrument. Liszt recognised the power of the virtuoso not just by the concept of a pianist playing incredibly complex pieces that run all around the keyboard. Although this can be impressive, he understood the importance of image, stage presence, and charisma. He cultivated almost rock star status and was pursued and idolized everywhere he went. This was partly down to the way he approached performing.

Liszt not only developed the solo recital idea. He also devised how the piano was to be positioned on stage. The piano was placed side-on so that the pianist’s profile could be admired. The lid was up, facing the audience, to ensure full volume. He was also the first pianist to play from memory. This potent combination guaranteed total devotion from his fans and it set the stage for all future piano recitals for the next 200 odd years. In his lessons and master classes, the term ‘master class’ was another Liszt brainchild, he often commented on the importance of playing without the score:

Liszt benefited tremendously from performing in this way and successfully conveyed the romantic image he worked so hard to cultivate. However, for those mere mortals who have since made the concert platform their home over subsequent generations, playing from memory has indeed been the cause of much misery.

Today, a concert pianist ideally needs to play without the score, and scores of students are perplexed as to how to successfully memorise pieces. Those taking amateur music exams are not required to play from memory. However, if you are preparing for a school concert or music festival, it’s a good idea to be brave and perform without the music. This approach tends to give a more polished performance. It shows you really ‘know’ your piece.

Here are a few basic tips for all those interested in developing their memory skills:

1. 

If you know you are going to commit the piece to memory then start memorising from the outset. As you learn the note patterns and fingerings make sure your fingers and brain are memorising carefully as you progress line by line, or bar by bar.

2.

Look out for obvious signs in the music that will ‘jog’ your memory: key changes, chordal progressions, scalic passages, large leaps, etc. All these elements will aid memorisation. They will act as sign posts.

3.

It’s best not to rely solely on digital memory, that is, through the fingers alone. This is one way to come unstuck during performance. A better idea is to have a thorough knowledge of the work’s structure particularly the harmonic structure. Study it methodically and intellectually even before you start memorising.

4.

You will benefit from knowing the piece aurally, digitally and mentally before you work on the interpretation. A helpful tip is to concentrate on the interpretation. ‘Hearing’ the music in my mind is also important. I especially focusing on the way it affects me emotionally.

Under pressure, our memory sometimes lets us down, so do make sure you have many practice performances without the score before your concert.

Image: Franz Liszt – Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images