Chopin Etude in 3rds

[pmz310]

 I'm starting to learn it, can those whose have studied it share theit experiences?

  peace out,
  Paul

[gyzzzmo]

you mean opus 25/6?

[mike_lang]

I have a couple pieces of advice:

1) I find 13-25 to be the most reliable on the opening trill, having formerly used 23-15 and experiencing various levels of (un)evenness on each piano.  Furthermore, 13-25 is a very different movement than 23-15 and I find that it has a better sound.

2) Think polyphonically - some hear the piece with a succession of thirds, rather than two lines harmonized at the interval of a third.  Along with this goes the notion of subphrasing, which helps in any kind of run (both double and single notes).

3) Last, but certainly not least!: Have a "sound image" of the piece, i.e. a musical idea for it.  It helps tremendously to think in terms of sound colors and phrasing, rather than in movements and technical difficulties (though it is true that some time must be spend on these things so that they can be solved and the music freed).

All the best to you!

[pmz310]

you mean opus 25/6?

yes, and thank you michael

[s_bussotti]

13-24-13-25 is the best fingering, but takes the most practice.

[gyzzzmo]

i use 14-25. I think it depends on your strenght/weakness. On the other side, its an etude, so you maybe should do the (common) fingering wich is hardest for you.

[franzliszt2]

I used to use 13 25 but now I use 14 25 becasue you it's easier to get into the next bit legato. Plus you have to use 14 25 later on, and it's convenient to use it all the time. It's a very nice fingering to be able to use as well. It does take developing though.

[gerry]

I second the 14/25 usage esp. at meas 4 where 14/25/14/32 then of course the 52 prep for the ascending chromatic beginning at meas 5. This etude, among other things, is intended to help develop use of 4th and 5th fingers.

[mike_lang]

I second the 14/25 usage esp. at meas 4 where 14/25/14/32 then of course the 52 prep for the ascending chromatic beginning at meas 5. This etude, among other things, is intended to help develop use of 4th and 5th fingers.

Actually, Chopin writes "3" on the first third.

[gerry]

Actually, Chopin writes "3" on the first third.

Whatever Good luck PMZ.

[mike_lang]

Whatever Good luck PMZ.

I'm unsure of the meaning of your emoticon - do you believe that:

a) Henle's research is incorrect?
b) This fingering only applies to the first note, while the rest is to be done 4-5-4-5 etc.?
c) The number is only the indication of the finger he haughtily displays to those of us who endeavor to play this challenging study?

[ahinton]

If you'll pardon a brief digression, I must say that I find it hard not to think of that piece without remembering a bit of it played on television by Peter Maxwell Davies who is, after all, not especially well known as a Chopin interpreter; the occasion was when he was interviewed for a programme about his old friend and colleague John Ogdon and he sought to demonstrate how hard that opening was for him whereas, of course, Ogdon took it in his stride without even thinking about it. I'm sure that PMD never worried overmuch about the most suitable fingering...

[franzliszt2]

If you'll pardon a brief digression, I must say that I find it hard not to think of that piece without remembering a bit of it played on television by Peter Maxwell Davies who is, after all, not especially well known as a Chopin interpreter; the occasion was when he was interviewed for a programme about his old friend and colleague John Ogdon and he sought to demonstrate how hard that opening was for him whereas, of course, Ogdon took it in his stride without even thinking about it. I'm sure that PMD never worried overmuch about the most suitable fingering...

PMD couldn't play it though lol, so he clearly didn't think about the fingering lol! No offence to the guy, I admire him very much and have a lot of respect for him, but he can't play that opening.