Do I have to be a virtuoso pianist to compose faster music?

Question

I was about to compose my third movement of my first sonata, but the other movements are notated Andante and Adagio. I would want my final movement to be notated Allegro or something even faster than Allegro, but can't seem to compose fast music. Is there anyway I could compose faster music without being a virtuoso pianist? Or I have to become one to compose this kind of music?

Answer 1

It can be easier to compose music you are capable of playing yourself but is not a requirement. A strong understanding of the instrument is more of a prerequisite than ability. For example: orchestral composers utilize instruments that they do not personally play though they have a thorough understanding of those instruments (range, capabilities, tone color, etc.).

I would recommend composing using software like MuseScore (which is free). This allows you to listen to the music you compose and adjust the tempo. That way you can hear it without trying to play it yourself and see if you like the sound at a faster tempo. If you have a generous pianist friend they might be able to play it for you as well.

Answer 2

No, you do not have to be a virtuoso pianist to compose faster music. Metronome markings in the conductor's score and individual instrument parts such as a quarter note =120 beats per minute (or a faster tempo) a quarter note = 190 beats per minute will be played at the speed you, as composer, have selected.

Secondly, the use of smaller/faster value notation (16th notes, 32nd notes) will make the music be faster/busier compared to music written with mostly whole, half, and quarter notes.

The composer is required to know each instruments limitations, how to write for it, and to have had hands on instruction to learn to play it. Most composers have a high level of proficiency performing on just one instrument.