...On a good day I can get through it comfortably at a moderate speed (MM 104) but not at the recommended MM 176 which would give the piece its full glittering grandeur.
They are definitly ok tempos. Remember there are etudes, and are supposed to build technique If you haven't been able to play any to speed, then they are above your level. Ashkenazy allways take pieces a little slower to get better clarity, it's ashkenazy's strength: clarity. It's the most important thing for him.
I largely disagree. Op. 10 No. 1 need not be played at 176. It is more "grand" at 152. There was something on a thread here earlier about chopin having used a differently scaled metronome, if anyone wants to clarify that...Oh, and btw, Richter was playing C-sharp Minor at a solid 210 to the quarter.
They are not made to be GRAND, they are made to build technique, that's why i precised that they are ETUDE. These are not pieces to play slower to get a better musical effect. BTW, tempo marking on etude op.10 no.1 is 160, not 176. 160 is pretty near your 152, so i think 160 is ok. I have the cortot student's edition.
They are not made to be GRAND, they are made to build technique.
I would really like to know more about chopin using a differently scaled metronome. That would explain some of the "crazy" tempo indications, like in op 10 no 1. By the way, did chopin ever write down hints and tips on how to play his etudes? Or did his piano students pass on this information? It would be interresting to read. I have Mikulis edition of the etudes (he was one of chopins students), and it gives you a few tips but not a lot.Are Cziffras tips on the etudes availeble anywhere? (online?)
You are a disgrace to this forum. I need not explain why.
finally to pianiststrongbad (& anyone else playing op10no1 at 160-170 comfortably) i'm truly impressed. could you guys give us some tips?
no no no no no no!For true advice, seek da legendary NatDog, alias 'ArgerichSmitten', fo he unleashed this at 240 on video. a 1'21 sheeeeyat. da utmozt respect
... I practiced this etude for a while doing this: Just playing the first three notes of each arpeggio (in the first one C,G,C) with the fingering you would use, so in this case 1,2,4. And then jump the octave and do it. It is very similar to op. 25 no. 12, except that you are using different fingerings. By doing this you will cause your thumb to travel right after it has played its note...
WRIST STUFF: First, I'll use the symbol: ^ to denote the height of your wrist. ^ ^ ^(normal) ^ ^ ^C G C ESee? Now if you combine the raising of your wrist with the contraction of your hand, it will be no problem.