Question about Chopin's Prelude Op 28 no. 4

[xire]

Hello all,

I'm new to the forums and I'm glad to be here. 


I'm playing the piano for about 4 months now and I like it a lot. But I'm not taking lessons, so I'm trying to learn it by myself. Anyway, since I'm not that good in reading notes, I have a question about a part of Chopin's Prelude op 28 no. 4. In one of the parts (see screenshot), I'm hearing something else than how I play it, when I hear a recording of it. When I hear a recording of it, I hear more notes in that part and when I play that part on the piano myself, it doesn't sound like how it's played on the recording. It probably has something to do with the word "Stretto" but since I don't know what that means, it's kinda hard for me to understand.

Can someone tell me how I should play it?

The screenshot:




Thanks in advance.

[nightmarecinema]

Actually it's the little squigly thing underneath 'stretto', which is a turn. I'd explain it to you, but even though I can play one my grasp on them isn't to the point where I could explain it fully.

[mariocast]

Stretto means to be played in a bit of a quicker time.

See my attached realization of the ornament.

[xire]

Thanks mariocast! You made my day, now I know how to play it "right".   


And thanks for your reply too, nightmarecinema. After seeing mariocast's attachement, I can understand why it's hard to explain "stretto". Cause for me, it's totally a mystery why only the word "stretto" changes a lot in one part. 

[g_s_223]

Note the little "x" under the turn symbol. That means the ornamental tone (G) one below the starting note (A) should be double-sharp. The note G-double-sharp is played A-natural as shown in the realization. You can also sometimes see an accidental above the turn symbol, which means that that accidental applies to the ornamental note in the turn which is higher in pitch than the starting note. And, naturally, you sometimes see accidentals both below and above the turn should the context require it.

See also http://www.dolmetsch.com/musictheory23.htm#turn

[xire]

Thanks for your reply g_s_223! 


Btw: I still think I play the part wrong, compared to the guy who plays it in this video:

http://rapidshare.de/files/8287037/Chopin_prelude_No_4.zip.html




He pushes 1 note twice and then he does the fast thingy, if you know what I mean. Also I have some trouble with timing my left hand in that part. Am I right that the guy in this video plays it a little different than in the attachement mariocast posted, or am I wrong?

Anyway, this part is really the most difficult part in this piece, for me that is. The rest is kinda easy, you only have to put the right emotion to it, but that's no problem (especially when I'm in a sad mood). 

[fliszt]

Anyway, this part is really the most difficult part in this piece, for me that is. The rest is kinda easy, you only have to put the right emotion to it, but that's no problem (especially when I'm in a sad mood). 

The piece isnt so easy as it looks... or plays... you've got to bring it over to other people..and the piece isnt sad at all. try to play it romantic, not depressed or something like that.

and search for a teacher.. it will make you play a lot better and makes you understand the pieces you play a lot better.

grtz

[xire]

Thanks for your reply.


Yes, I have to find a teacher, but it's very hard to find a good teacher here in the city where I live.

And I don't know why, but this piece does sound kinda sad to me. Maybe I hear it different then how I should, but when I hear this piece, it sounds very dramatic to me. Also when I play it, I like to play it that way... I don't know why. 

[fliszt]

i know the problem it is easier to play it sad... thats why its a challenge to make it sounds romantic

have fun

grtz

[xire]

Well, I hope I can play the piece romantic too, someday. 



Btw: another question about this piece. Since I'm very busy with learning this piece perfectly, I noticed that I was playing another part wrong too. In the attachement you can see the part. I played it like I think I should play it, like: first the "higher" D with the lower note and then the "lower" D with the 3 fingering chord at the same time. But when I listen closely to a recording of it, I hear that the chord is played after the "lower" D... Am I right?

Screenshot:






Another little detail, just to be sure. To learn a piece perfectly, I have to know everything about it, right? 

Still, I have some problems with the faster part, what I posted before. So, if anyone can help me with that too, I'd be very happy.


Thanks.

[g_s_223]

Your ears are right, there is something special going on.

Unfortunately your excerpt does not show it, but the last three notes of the beamed group in the upper staff have a digit "3" above them (over the lower E). This means they are a triplet.

That means the 3 upper staff notes E/E/A need to be played in the same duration as the two lower chords A and E+F#+C. This is "3 against 2" (or vice-versa). The chord is played just after the lower E as you heard.

[xire]

Thanks for your information and reply g_s_223! It's more clear to me now. 


Well, I'm understanding this piece more and more, how it really should be played. Though, if someone knows some more things in this piece, where I should take a closer look at, then I'd love to hear it.

And I think I should take a closer look at musical theory. I can read some notes, but things like "dim." for example, doesn't say a thing to me.

[xire]

Sorry for the double post.



But I think I have troubles with my left hand, in the "fast" part. The right hand is okay with the speed, but my left hand struggles for some reason. Or maybe I'm not playing the thing I should play. If someone can explain it to me, maybe with a video, I'd be very happy.

I just love this piece and I wanna play it perfectly.

I have to say I'm very happy already, for all the members who gave me information and advice, thanks!

[rosana]

And thanks for your reply too, nightmarecinema. After seeing mariocast's attachement, I can understand why it's hard to explain "stretto". Cause for me, it's totally a mystery why only the word "stretto" changes a lot in one part. 

Actually, what mariocast explained was the turn (the squiggly sign). Stretto has nothing to do with it. It means to speed up the playing while the dash signs are there. It just so happened that in this piece the turn and stretto started together.

I have asked about stretto in this same forum relating to this same piece (which sounds sad  to me too).  Also, it was one of the pieces played during Chopin's funeral in Paris. 

[fuel925]

Well, I hope I can play the piece romantic too, someday.  /quote]
Dont let anyone else tell you how something "should" be played. You play pieces according to your own interpretation.. if it comes across as a sad piece to you, then play it as such.

[xire]

Actually, what mariocast explained was the turn (the squiggly sign). Stretto has nothing to do with it. It means to speed up the playing while the dash signs are there. It just so happened that in this piece the turn and stretto started together.

I have asked about stretto in this same forum relating to this same piece (which sounds sad  to me too).  Also, it was one of the pieces played during Chopin's funeral in Paris. 

I see, thanks for your reply, rosana. I'm learning more and more everyday and now it's even more clear to me, about Stretto and about the squiggly sign. I really like playing this piece and I don't have problems anymore playing this piece. I memorized the piece and I play it about 10 times a day, just cause I like it so much. I love to put the emotion, how I wanna hear it, in this piece. 

And yes, I read about this piece, played during the Chopin's funeral. Imo this piece fits perfectly, played during a funeral, cause of the emotion in it (of course, depends on who it plays). And if a loved one of mine passes away someday, I wanna play this piece during his/her funeral too. Of course, I prefer playing this piece at home, without having to go to a funeral. 


@fuel925: yeah you're right and that's what I like about playing the pieces at the piano, solo. I just love to play pieces in a different way than the original version, just to hear what's the right sound for me.