Leading into the Chopin Ballades....

[butters109]

It has been my goal as a pianist to play one of these (with the 1st or 4th being my first choice) eventually... and I'm wondering what pieces would lend themselves well to helping me develop the technique necessary to play one of these works. As of yet, I've been able to get the following pieces up to performance level..

Rach 23/5
Chopin Nocturnes Op55/1 9/2 48/1
Gershwin's 3 Preludes
Beethoven Op 14. No. 1 Sonata
About half of Schumann's Kinderszenen
Bach's Second French Suite


I'm kind of a perfectionist when it comes to playing piano, so what would you suggest I start learning that would be fun in its own right, but would also help lead into the Ballade's. I kind of doubt that I'd be able to attempt one of these pieces right now.. but if you think differently, I guess that's fine too.


Oh, and as far as for how long I've been actually playing... about 11 years starting when I was 6. A lot of that time was kind of wasted, but I've finally gotten motivated in the last 3 or 4 years.

[aslanov]

i say its about time u started the first ballade. if there are few things u'll need developing u can very well do it while practicing the first ballade. from ur reportoire i'd say ur ready. but im not that much an authority on grade level. however judging from the rach 23/5, the kinderszenen, nocturne 9/2 and the french suite, i'd say u should get started on the ballade. but if u must find something to help u along before u start it.

I think Liszt's Liebestraume would definitely help you out.
or beethovens first sonata, op 2 no 1, particularly the first and 4th movement.
the last movement of the moonlight sonata

cant think of much else right now.