Staying loose while practicing piano?

Question:

Staying loose while practicing piano?

Hi, I'm playing Fantaisie Impromptu by Chopin for a recital, but the only problem is I tend to tighten up around the ends of the fast sections. Afterword, my right arm hurts. Beautiful music should not be painful! Any suggestions for staying loose?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I agree with the previous poster. The pain you're experiencing is coming from your shoulders. Playing a particularly fast or tricky passage causes us to breathe unevenly and tighten the shoulders. Try to keep your shoulders down, and in your mind, try to direct your breath into the notes, as if you were singing instead of playing them.

Think of yourself as Glen Gould! (;?)