Should you start something you cant finish?

[steve jones]

Allow me to elaborate...

Is it wise to begin a piece that you dont think you are able to bring upto a decent level, but can get under you hands?

Im thinking of doing some of the easier Chopin Etudes, because I love them and I think I can benefit technically. However, Im pretty sure I cant master them yet, either technically or musically. They are beyond me, but Im certain with some work and can 'play' them.

Do you get me?

Maybe I should take my time and wait until Im ready?

Or maybe I should trudge along regardless and chance my arm?



Steve Jones

[allthumbs]

Steve

I've done that in the past on what were some difficult pieces at the time.

As I learned the music, I found that my technique grew with it.

Although it took me longer to get it up to a decent level, I still managed to get there eventually.

Where would the piece be if I never started it in the first place?

Go for it!



Cheers

allthumbs

[steve jones]

Thats true!

Pieces Im doing now and are quite comfortable with:

Chopin Preludes 4, 6, 20

Bach Inventions 1, 4, 8, 13


Pieces Im thinking of starting, although Im unsure I can complete:

Chopin Etudes 10-6, 25-2

Beethoven Sonata 1 Mvt 1


Im sure you'll agree thats it definately a big step up in difficulty. Im not sure whether I should do some pre pieces first, or just take the plunge  The thing is, I love these pieces passionately, where as something like Beethoven Op49 and 79 (suitable prep I understand) dont do much for me.

[redrzewski]

I'm doing the same thing.  I separate pieces into 2 categories:  stuff I want to perfect, and stuff I want to learn from.  If I want to perfect it, I want it well within my technical range before starting.  If I just want to learn, I can take on tough pieces knowing my technique will grow, but that I'll probably ingrain too many mistakes in the process of learning this particular piece to ever undo them all.

[gyzzzmo]

You should just start to learn them.
But keep in mind/realize you very likely wont be able to play them at the right speed.
Start VERY slowly and dont increase speed when you notice you start playing it a bit messy.

I learned alot of technique myself too by learning the etudes of chopin, but i think it was a good thing too that i also learned the english suites (bach) at the same time, so your technique doesnt become one-sided.

[steve jones]

Good point.

I feel that right now Im in this kind of limbo between playing the stuff Im doing now and the stuff I really want to play! The easier Etudes and WTC pieces are still to hard, but I starting to get comfortable with the Inventions and easy Preludes.

I think I shall just give these pieces a blast. If I simply cant manage them, then just them on the back burner for a while, nothing lost, right?

[mike_lang]

Chopin etudes are a lifelong study.  The earlier you play them, the better they are when you play them again later, and again after that.  There's no harm in giving it your best and going as far as you can for now.  We don't get better by choosing only pieces that are easy for us.  My piano teacher once told me that I should always be playing a Bach for my fingers, a Chopin etude, and a very difficult piece.  For your consideration - food for thought.

best,
Michael

[steve jones]

Thanks Michael, I'll certainly take that into account!

I must admit, in my limited experience, Bach and Chopin as standing out as the composers who deserve serious study.

[g_s_223]

I'm doing the same thing.  I separate pieces into 2 categories:  stuff I want to perfect, and stuff I want to learn from.  If I want to perfect it, I want it well within my technical range before starting.  If I just want to learn, I can take on tough pieces knowing my technique will grow, but that I'll probably ingrain too many mistakes in the process of learning this particular piece to ever undo them all.

This is well said. There is a definite risk of acquiring habits fatal to the proper execution of a piece, if it is in reality far too difficult for the performer's technical ability. Another issue is time: to study a complex piece properly (and not superficially) will take a disproportionate amount of time, and you may end up bored with it.

However, given that, I have myself regularly hacked around with excessively difficult pieces so I can't honestly say one should never do it. Some will come more easily than others, go with them.