So I have been learning this piece for over six months now and I am at this point where nothing feels like it's improving. There are always these very few small minute things that seem to get better, but as a whole I am not getting anywhere. The most challenging part of this piece is obviously the end Friska section, where there are nothing but octaves. I get so tired and can not play any parts nicely. There have been days and even a whole span of a week where I really thought that I had it, and that I was over that hill and could get this damned piece finished with. I practice tons of rhythms on all the sections, even those that are not in the Friska. But I still don't feel a sense of complete relaxation, or else I would at least be able to get through it. I don't think that I over exemplify my movements, rather I'm trying to be as conservative as possible, because I know that wasting energy is what will cause an even greater decrease in stamina. This piece is depressing me. Since my last lesson, I have been to the practice rooms every day for a good amount of time, and the results are lacking. I have my next lesson on Tuesday and I am nervous because my professor was commenting poorly on my playing last week. I would love to put this piece down for a bit but you see I can't. I am supposed to be playing this is a concert at the end of April and I have nothing else to play instead even if I were to drop the Rhapsody. I would love to be able to play this piece well both for the satisfaction and for the ability to move on and start something new. Can anyone please offer any advice for me?