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Topic: chopin ballade no.3 main theme (Read 3603 times)

imbetter

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chopin ballade no.3 main theme

on: December 09, 2008, 09:38:55 PM

I was recently assigned this piece. On almost every recording of this piece I've heard the pianist either plays this theme in a slow lyrical romantic way or a lively "scherzoish" way. For those of you that have played this piece how do you play this theme and why?

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thalbergmad

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Re: chopin ballade no.3 main theme

Reply #1 on: December 09, 2008, 09:52:33 PM

I cannot see anything remotely "scherzoish" in this composition.

Thal

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imbetter

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Re: chopin ballade no.3 main theme

Reply #2 on: December 09, 2008, 10:31:06 PM

ha do you like my word?

Anyway back to the point. It depends on which pianist is playing it. Have heard plenty "scherzoish" interpretations

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"My advice to young musicians: Quit music! There is no choice. It has to be a calling, and even if it is and you think there's a choice, there is no choice"-Vladimir Feltsman

kitty on the keys

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Re: chopin ballade no.3 main theme

Reply #3 on: December 14, 2008, 12:40:04 PM

Great Piece!!!

I like to have a feeling of 2 beats per measure---but not too quickly --enjoy the lyrical long phrases and the lilting rhythmic energy. You can gradually increase the tempo in the C# minor section and build to the coda on the last page--you can also take the broken chords with 2 hands---if you want too. I also do the octaves (16th note chromatic) with both hands. Enjoy the piece

kitty on the keys

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cmg

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Re: chopin ballade no.3 main theme

Reply #4 on: December 14, 2008, 04:45:34 PM

Quote from: kitty on the keys on December 14, 2008, 12:40:04 PM

Great Piece!!! I like to have a feeling of 2 beats per measure---but not too quickly --enjoy the lyrical long phrases and the lilting rhythmic energy. You can gradually increase the tempo in the C# minor section and build to the coda on the last page--you can also take the broken chords with 2 hands---if you want too. I also do the octaves (16th note chromatic) with both hands. Enjoy the piece

kitty on the keys

Here you go: great advice.

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m

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Re: chopin ballade no.3 main theme

Reply #5 on: December 20, 2008, 04:49:41 PM

Quote from: imbetter on December 09, 2008, 09:38:55 PM

I was recently assigned this piece. On almost every recording of this piece I've heard the pianist either plays this theme in a slow lyrical romantic way or a lively "scherzoish" way. For those of you that have played this piece how do you play this theme and why?

This theme has two elements--the first is a lyrical and singing, and second is a dance-like (which BTW, is going throughout all 4 Ballades) suggested by its meter.
To connect those two elements together I play the longer 2 measure phrases "on one", but with a distinct feel of triplets. The tempo usually fluctuates and depends on the piano, hall, acoustics, and... general mood that evening.

Best, M

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cmg

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Re: chopin ballade no.3 main theme

Reply #6 on: December 21, 2008, 06:39:11 AM

Quote from: marik on December 20, 2008, 04:49:41 PM

This theme has two elements--the first is a lyrical and singing, and second is a dance-like (which BTW, is going throughout all 4 Ballades) suggested by its meter.
To connect those two elements together I play the longer 2 measure phrases "on one", but with a distinct feel of triplets. The tempo usually fluctuates and depends on the piano, hall, acoustics, and... general mood that evening.

Best, M

Thank you. Very perceptive.

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imbetter

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Posts: 1264

Re: chopin ballade no.3 main theme

Reply #7 on: December 26, 2008, 06:57:33 PM

Quote from: marik on December 20, 2008, 04:49:41 PM

This theme has two elements--the first is a lyrical and singing, and second is a dance-like (which BTW, is going throughout all 4 Ballades) suggested by its meter.
To connect those two elements together I play the longer 2 measure phrases "on one", but with a distinct feel of triplets. The tempo usually fluctuates and depends on the piano, hall, acoustics, and... general mood that evening.

Best, M

thank you very much for your helpful post marik

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"My advice to young musicians: Quit music! There is no choice. It has to be a calling, and even if it is and you think there's a choice, there is no choice"-Vladimir Feltsman

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Topic: chopin ballade no.3 main theme (Read 3603 times)

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