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Topic: Frustrated with Chopin's 2nd Scherzo Op. 31  (Read 1758 times)

Offline chomaninoff1

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Frustrated with Chopin's 2nd Scherzo Op. 31
on: October 29, 2016, 08:04:02 PM
So I have been playing Chopin's Op. 31 Scherzo for the last 3 maybe 4 months. Going into this piece, I knew that it was a bit over my level, but I decided I wanted to play it anyway because I love Chopin's scherzos and this was one of the easiest. I guess I thought that with lots of diligent practice I could play it decently, but I am still having problems with the con amina section. (I haven't even learned the finale yet so I'm sure that will bring me even more grief.)

I'm having trouble with the left hand, specifically. I can't seem to produce the light, flowy sound it is supposed to have. I've recorded this section on my phone and after listening to myself I seriously want to just give this piece up because it sounds so terrible. My pedaling is also crap too... Also another thing is that I'm not even playing it up to speed! The fastest I can play this section is at quarter note=184.
Does anyone have any tips for me? Or should I just give up this piece for now and try it later when I have more experience?
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Offline beethovenfan01

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Re: Frustrated with Chopin's 2nd Scherzo Op. 31
Reply #1 on: October 29, 2016, 10:56:20 PM
Yes, this is a very difficult piece ...

Since I'm not an expert pianist yet, I don't have a lot of advice, except ...

DON'T STRESS ABOUT PLAYING IT TO SPEED!

If it isn't perfect at 184, don't try to go faster. Be a tortoise--slow and sure will win the race.  ;)
Practicing:
Bach Chromatic Fantasie and Fugue
Beethoven Sonata Op. 10 No. 1
Shostakovich Preludes Op. 34
Scriabin Etude Op. 2 No. 1
Liszt Fantasie and Fugue on BACH
 

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