main croisee

Hand-crossing: a technique in which one hand must pass over or under the other to reach notes on the opposite side of the keyboard. Les Trois Mains (RCT 5) is named for this effect, creating the illusion of three independent voices from two hands. Les Cyclopes (RCT 3) also uses it extensively.

Prepare hand crossings visually before they arrive - the arm should be in motion before the moment of crossing. Keep the landing precise; hesitation destroys the illusion of a third voice. Slow practice with exaggerated crossing height builds the muscle memory required for security at tempo.