What is etudistic about chopin's #6 Op. 10?

[allchopin]

Chopin's etude #6 Op. 10 is very slow and calm throughout... so what is the big deal? I imagine etudes to always be difficult physically such as large ranges and/or fast tempo, but this song has neither.... so what's up?

[la_carrenio2003]

I think there are different kinds of difficulties. In this case,  for me, is the legatissimo. The use of the pedal in this etude has to be very careful as well:I heard awful versions of it where the whole thing is obscured by excesive pedaling. Just guessing...

[rachfan]

Chopin's Etude Op. 10, No. 6 is one of the easier ones.  However, its point of study is cultivating the ability to play a delicate, legato, cantabile melody with accompanying figuration.  Why so important? Because this style of composing is Chopin's chief hallmark.  This etude was a way of introducing the pianist to this exacting musical style.