Perfect - Ed Sheeran - Drewyes Deirty

To effectively tackle the challenges in "Perfect," pianists can use the following targeted practice techniques:

• Break the piece into manageable sections, focusing on measures 1-4 initially to master the melodic flow before progressing to the more complex parts.

• Exercise: Play the right hand alone, concentrating on the dynamics and phrasing, then add the left hand separately.

• Use a metronome to maintain a steady tempo while practicing sections with rhythmic complexities. Start at a slower speed (40-50 BPM) and gradually increase as comfort with the rhythm grows.

3. Dynamic Markings Awareness:

• Pay close attention to the dynamic markings throughout the piece. Practicing with exaggerated dynamics initially can help create a more nuanced performance later on.

4. Focused Attention on Rhythm:

• For measures with triplet figures (e.g. measures 1-8), practice clapping the rhythms away from the piano until confident, then integrate them back at the instrument.

By following these methods and actively engaging with each section of the score, pianists will enhance their technical prowess, leading to a more expressive and polished rendition of Ed Sheeran's "Perfect."

In summary, this beautiful piece encourages emotion through its structure and careful attention to melody and harmony, making it a wonderful addition to any pianist's repertoire.

Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" is a poignant ballad presented in the key of C major, with a lively 12/8 time signature, creating a gentle, flowing feel. The structure of the piece is characterized by a repetitive yet evolving melodic line that captures the listener's heart. The main melody is predominantly featured in the right hand, forming the core of the piece with its soaring expressive phrases, while the left hand provides a solid harmonic foundation through a mix of simple chords and arpeggiated figures.

Unique Aspects:

1. Melodic Structure and Phrasing:

• The melody showcases a lovely contour, rising and falling smoothly, particularly in measures 1-4 and 5-8, where the use of triplets creates a lullaby-like effect.

• In measure 9, there’s a significant use of chromaticism as the melody ascends with embellishments, enriching the emotional texture.

2. Harmonic Progressions:

• The harmonic progression is stable yet effective, mainly revolving around the I-IV-V7 chords. The left hand supports this progression with elements of arpeggios, providing background color without overshadowing the melody.

• In measure 15, there is a surprising modulation that hints at a minor flavor, adding depth to the emotional quality of the song.

3. Rhythmic Layering:

• The piece employs a mix of dotted rhythms and syncopation, enhancing the rhythmic interest. The use of 12/8 allows for a lilting, dance-like feel that is both engaging and supportive of the lyrical content.

• Notably, the rhythmic emphasis is placed on the first and fourth beats, adding a heightened sense of anticipation in measures 20-24.

Perfect

• Artist
  Ed Sheeran
• Number of imitations
  113
• Genre
  Ed Sheeran
• Key
  C
• Tempo
  95
• Pages
  -
• Notation
  Ed Sheeran
• Compose
  Words and Music by ED SHEERAN
• Introduction
  Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" is a poignant ballad presented in the key of C major, with a lively 12/8 time signature, creating a gentle, flowing feel. The structure of the piece is characterized by a repetitive yet evolving melodic line that captures the listen