Comparative difficulty of the Chopin Etudes (Poll)

[cloches_de_geneve]

After so much discussion on the forum about the comparative difficulty of the Chopin Etudes, I decided to launch a poll to get an outcome that is based on numerous ratings instead of individual statements or opinions.

In a few days the outcome will be available.

Put in your vote!

[stevie]

it all depends upon the speed

if they are all to be performed at chopin's indicated tempo, 25/11 is the hardest

[cloches_de_geneve]

Yes, of course, supposing they are played at the speed indicated by Chopin.

[chopinfan_22]

I voted for Winter Wind.  Chopin himself even thought it the most difficult.

[pianogeek_cz]

Thirds. I was thinking whether this one or the Winter Wind, but in the end, I think that it would take me longer to master than 25/11.

[orlandopiano]

There are a handful of Etudes I consider to be more difficult than 25/11.

[arensky]

This is subjective, it depends on an individual's strengths and weaknesses. I voted for 26/6, "thirds". For me it's the hardest.

[shasta]

10/7 and 25/8 to me are the hardest

[henrah]

Thirds: my fingers just ain't up to it yet

[mike_lang]

Thirds: my fingers just ain't up to it yet

For all those of you that think you can't do thirds, take a look at Cortot's edition of the Op. 25.  He provides a matrix of fingerings (probably 12 for each of 3 or 4 significant passages).  One of the fingerings is 32-51 for the opening trill - it was a miracle cure for me.  Maybe worth a look...

[pita bread]

Fingering for the 25/6 isn't as important as the correct motion--Bernhard describes it very well in an older post.

[mike_lang]

Fingering for the 25/6 isn't as important as the correct motion--Bernhard describes it very well in an older post.

This is true, but a good fingering (which, as Cortot suggests, varies for each person) facilitates correct motion.

[franzliszt2]

All Chopin Etudes are easy if you have aquired the technique to do them . The thirds is  not hard if you can do thirds, same with 6ths and octaves. Winterwind is not hard if you have a strong RH.

The hard part is gaining the technique , I spent a week on 3rds etude just doing first and 2nd page, and lots of scales in 3rds and Czerny studies. Then the week later I learnt the rest with no really severe difficulty.

In my opinion the very first is the hardest for me persnonally, I just cannot do it without feeling uncomfortable. My teacher says its one of those peices not everone can play, and hand shape and stuff play a big part

[fredo2]

where can i find a Cortot edition with those fingerings for the thirds etude ? Having huge trouble with thirds
my finger just seem to mess up and stop...

[mike_lang]

where can i find a Cortot edition with those fingerings for the thirds etude ? Having huge trouble with thirds
my finger just seem to mess up and stop...

I believe it is published by Salabert.  I do not know who the distributor is.  You local music store should be able to get it.

[musicsdarkangel]

IMO, easily the winterwind


followed by Op 25 no 12 (Ocean) and op 25 no 6 (Thirds)


I'm currently working on the thirds.  It's a blast, but a beast indeed. 

[pianowelsh]

op10/10 is a pig!