chopin ballade no.3 main theme

[imbetter]

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?

[thalbergmad]

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

Thal

[imbetter]

ha do you like my word?


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

[kitty on the keys]

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

[cmg]

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.

[m]

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

[cmg]

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.

[imbetter]

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