Chopin Prelude No.1

[steve jones]

You might have noticed me posting a lot of questions about the preludes lately - I have just discovered these pieces and love them to bits! No1 is my fave, so Im giving it a shot (even though its a little advanced for me).

Ok, so Im assuming that the three note bass arps are intended for the LH, with the rest on RH? At least this is how Im playing it. For example, on bar 1, Im using the RH thumb for the dotted quaver G. My question is, am I surposed to hold this note for its full duration, or is the pedalling sufficient?

[m1469]

My question is, am I surposed to hold this note for its full duration, or is the pedalling sufficient?

Well, what would be your reasoning for not holding the G ?  I know you can reach it.  Generally, if it is possible to hold something for as long as is indicated I do, unless it is physically impossible.


Hope that helps,

m1469

[m1469]

Ok, so Im assuming that the three note bass arps are intended for the LH, with the rest on RH? At least this is how Im playing it. For example, on bar 1, Im using the RH thumb for the dotted quaver G.

Sorry, I forgot about this portion of your question.  How you describe it is how I play it, though one could also take the bottom note of the octaves in the last notes of the second triplet with the left hand.  For example, in measure number 1, at the octave "A's" (last notes in the second triplet) one could play the top with RH as indicated and the bottom with the LH.  It is only a suggestion.


m1469

[steve jones]

Thanks m1469!

Actually, I did try that fingering initially, but it seems easier to tackle the octave with the right hand alone.

Yeah, I figured I should hold the G for its full duration, but its always good to check! It seems so much of this romantic stuff assumes you'll draw out notes on the pedal.

[m1469]

Thanks m1469!

Actually, I did try that fingering initially, but it seems easier to tackle the octave with the right hand alone.

Yeah, I figured I should hold the G for its full duration, but its always good to check! It seems so much of this romantic stuff assumes you'll draw out notes on the pedal.

You're welcome Steve 

[sonatainfsharp]

It seems so much of this romantic stuff assumes you'll draw out notes on the pedal.

Yikes! That is a VERY dangerous attitude about notation and Romantic music!  Don't let the damper pedal allow you to become sloppy in your playing!!!!

The first Prelude is my favorite, and I avoided it for years 'cause I thought it was too hard. I had a teacher tell me I had one week to learn it--I had it memorized and up to tempo in 45 minutes, from scratch.

I share this because I don't want you to be afraid of it, either. It is actually one of the "easier" preludes (according to two different teachers I had), and it is so easy to understand musically that it shouldn't give you much trouble. And don't let the notation scare you (that was the part I was afraid of). Subdivide at first, then count only one beat per bar after that, and really know where your phrases are--I think you only have 2 or 3 chances to get them right.

Good luck. Post a recording when you are done with it!

[steve jones]

Yeah, maybe a slight exaggeration there!

I just me that with alot of this music you are required to span huge gaps, using the pedal to sustain notes. Atleast Iv found this common in the few romantic pieces Iv attempted, while never in baroque or classical.

Actually, I put this on the shelf a few weeks ago because of the notation. But you're right, its not as complex as it looks. I just need to get a few bars flowing to a click track, then Im sure I'll be able to nail the rest.

Cant guarentee you'll want to hear it, but a recording will follow