Preperation for Chopin Etude Op.10 No.4

[qoppa]

Hey all
I'd really like to play Chopin's Etude No.4, Op.10, but it currently would be rather difficult, and is more of a dream.  I'm looking for some pieces to build up the technique required in the piece, so that it will be easier when I do finally decide to give it a go.  Also, any pieces that sound reminiscent of it would be nice.  An idea of where I'm at now: I'm currently working on the Pathétique sonata, Lieder ohne Worte Op.19 No.3, and Rach's Moment Musicaux No.3.

Thanks

[lau]

i'm learning this now also. man,  now i see why a lot of people play slower than my taste! You have to do these big stretches at a fast pace and it's really hard not to miss notes. I say just go for it.

[jakev2.0]

Prelude and Fugue in C-Sharp Major from Book I is excellent prep.

[maxy]

You could maybe try working on some Moskovsky études. op 72#2 is somewhat fun and is vaguely similar to Chopin's op 10-12.  I did play a couple of Moskovsky before jumping to  Chopin's op. 10#4 so my recommandation has been tested.   

[debussy symbolism]

Greetings.

Oh yeah I am also doing Moszkowski op72 no2 right now. I don't know where I would be without it and even though I am not familiar with the Chopin etude yet, I would say that whatever it is the Moszkowski is going to give you quite a workout. No2 is mainly for the left hand. I am also doing the first one(no1) and that one is mainly for the right hand. Both give quite a workout.

[le_poete_mourant]

ANY of the other Chopin Etudes, because they get your fingers moving and capable, will help you prepare for Op. 10 No. 4.  The thing about this etude is that it is a fairly equal balance between the movement of the left hand and the right hand; many of the other etudes favor one hand over the other. 

The issue is not what piece you need to work on.  There are many out there that will elevate your playing to where it needs to be.  Essentially, you need to be capable of playing fast, accurately, and -- although it may seem counterintuitive for this -- delicately.  Fingering above all is important for the 10/4 (or any of the other etudes). 

Meanwhile, you can't go wrong with some of the Preludes from op. 28. 

Also, take a look at the 3rd movement of the Moonlight Sonata. 

[maxy]

ANY of the other Chopin Etudes, because they get your fingers moving and capable, will help you prepare for Op. 10 No. 4. 

impossible to contradict this statement.  It is true. Yet, one must start with a "first" Chopet at some point.     Op. 10#4 is a possible starting point.