The Secret Life of Musical Notation – Full Interview with Roberto Poli
If you care about piano interpretation, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
Roberto Poli — pianist, author, and educator — has shaken the piano world with his groundbreaking book The Secret Life of Musical Notation. In it, he reveals that for over a century, we’ve been misreading some of the most basic symbols in the score.
- Long hairpins: not always crescendo–diminuendo, but often signals for subtle timing shifts or phrasing.
- Accents: rarely percussive — in Chopin and Schubert, they suggest vocal nuance or dance character.
- Pedal markings: sometimes intentionally “impossible,” meant to create bold experiments with resonance and blur.
In this exclusive full-length interview, Roberto explains the discoveries behind his book, shares examples from Chopin, Schubert, and Beethoven, and talks about how this knowledge can transform the way we interpret music today.
This is not abstract theory — it’s practical insight every pianist, teacher, and serious student can apply immediately.
You may have already seen my YouTube video introducing the topic, but here you can watch the entire interview for free.
👉 Click Enroll for Free to access the full conversation with Roberto Poli.
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About your instructor:
I'm a Ukrainian pianist currently living in Austria, and I've had the privilege of building a strong reputation in the world of classical music. Over the years, I've achieved success in several international competitions, solidifying my position as a well-known concert performer. However, my passion doesn't stop at performing; I'm also deeply committed to teaching the piano.
As a piano teacher, I go beyond simply focusing on style and musicality. My primary goal is to help students optimize their piano-playing techniques for efficiency. I've had the pleasure of working with students from all corners of the globe, assisting them in revamping their piano techniques, relieving tension, recovering from piano-related injuries, and developing effective learning strategies. I take a comprehensive approach to piano instruction, aiming to be a valuable resource for pianists looking to improve their skills, overcome challenges, and realize their full potential.
I wish you an exciting learning experience!
Sincerely,
Denis Zhdanov
