ummm...to learn these pieces first you have to make sure you've got the technique down perfect
even if you think piece calls for things like inegle or free rhythm...practice it first until you get
every note and every chord exactly perfect and
where it needs to be
once you have it down pat (like you can play it like a machine) start putting some feeling into it
for instance, the ravel calls for a lot of "fun joy" (if you know what i mean) the the liszt calls for precision and romantics, the debussy calls for a sort of dreamy iridescence
go through every measure intent on getting each interpretation down perfectly
make up stories to go with the music and colors to go with each measure
you can memorize the pieces easily by remembering the stories and the correct color that goes with each measure
utilize a broad range of dynamics and contrast
listen to recordings of other people...how do their interpretations sound? how do you want your interpretation to sound?
be careful you don't copy though (it can happen consciously and unconsciously)...listen to people for the first week and then take off on your own
this should all take around a month to perfect
i practice 3-6 hours/day
oh and try to focus on one piece per practice session
more than one piece can get conflicting
use highlighters/colored pencils/pens to mark up the music and help you remember what you have to do
but don't forget that your fingers have memory too!!
also, if you have to perform
pretend that the composer of the piece you're performing is sitting in the audience
what do you want him to "go away with" when you're done?
all the best practicing!!
Source: serious concert pianist
