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