Emphasizing technique* in piano study is closely related to the sort of conditioning produced by constant re-listening to the same recorded performance of a piece of music. After a repetition or two most people stop listening, unless they are listening for specific details or with an agenda that requires repeated hearing.
But for most people repetition is a turnoff of real attentiveness.
So what happens when you are in the same room with a live performance of, to pick one of my favorite over-heards, Fuer Elise? I get a great kick out of playing such pieces imagining Beethoven is right there, making it up as he goes along. Just how far apart are those first two notes: in terms of tonal weight? in terms of timing?
Wait 'til you hear it!
*Every time I think of piano technique I am reminded of what Busoni said about teaching it: To paraphrase: Technical exercises should be assigned the way doctors prescribe toxic medicines.
