Kanet Recommendation (In other words, Alkan Etudes)

[dnephi]

I have been considering giving one of the Alkan Etudes, Op. 39 or op. 35 a good solid try.  Which of them would technically be valuable without being a life-consuming attempt, like the concerto first movement?

Thanks for your responses,

Daniel

[pianovirus]

I haven't played one of them so far, but it's also on my much-too-long wishlist.... I would not want to start with one of op. 39. I personally love the op.35/4 a lot and also op.35/5 (Allegro Barbaro) looks like great fun (there's a video of Jack Gibbons playing this one on Youtube). My guess from a bit of dabbling with them is that they are on the level of Chopin etudes (in fact, I guess that the way to a good performance of 25/10 is more painful [regarding octave technique] than Alkan's 35/5). Ok, but I shouldn't talk too much about pieces I haven't really worked on.... There's a recording of op.35 by Ringeissen or Martin on MarcoPolo, which gives a good impression of all pieces.

[soliloquy]

Yeah I was also gonna say the Op. 35 No. 4

The Op. 35 No. 12 would also work.



BUT!  The Overture Op. 39 No. 11 is probably my favorite of all the etudes (at least from opp. 35/39) and it's not super-tough.

[dnephi]

How is 39-12, Le Festin D'Esope?

I'll look at the Overture.

[Kassaa]

How is 39-12, Le Festin D'Esope?

Insanely difficult.

[ronde_des_sylphes]

How is 39-12, Le Festin D'Esope?

Insanely difficult.

Seconded (but great fun).

I think the last movement of the Symphonie is even harder, however.

Op 39 no 11, Ouverture, is a decent suggestion. It's not especially difficult in comparison to some of the others. Op 39 no 2, En rhythme molossique is also not too demanding.  I have a soft spot for op 35 no 6 and didn't find it too difficult, but I have quite large hands which probably helps.

Oh, and Ringeissen's Alkan is lame for a professional pianist.