Any tips on playing these 2 pieces???

[Shagdac]

Just wondering if anyone who has played these 2 pieces would mind offering any suggestions on the best way to learn, or mention any part inpartincular that causes the most difficulty. The first I am interested in is Liszt's "Spanish Rhapsody", I've heard all the Hungarian ones, working on #2, but only recently heard the Spanish. Wonderful piece.....on my list of "most learn", the 2nd is Chopin's Scherzo in Bflat minor. Can't believe I've never done this one either.
Any suggestions would help.

Thanks,
S

[donjuan]

I have worked on these two pieces within the last year.  I never did finish them- my teacher wanted me to polish my festival works instead.  Spanish Rhapsody is a fun piece once you get it memorized.  The opening cadenzas require hours of slow practice to play properly.  I jumped into it and was blurring some of the passages.  My teacher told me I need to make sure I finish each harmony of each arpeggio, accenting the top note before playing the next one.
After the cadenzas, play with absolute perfect rhythm.  no rubato what soever.  LATER, add your own personal flavour to certain aspects of the passages.  I didnt really get too far into it before my teacher had me focus on other things.

Ahhh, the Chopin scherzo!  Everyone's favorite.  Again, rhythm is especially important at the beginning to ensure maximum bombasticity (if that's a word..).  When you get to the first lyrical section, play much softer with a dolce touch- lower your wrist, use fingers rather than arm.  Dont use too much pedal at first to ensure the left hand part is even in rhythm and dyanmics.  Be careful not to blend separate harmonies as this is easy to do in such a piece.
donjuan    

[f0bul0us]

Ahhh, the Chopin scherzo!  Everyone's favorite.  Again, rhythm is especially important at the beginning to ensure maximum bombasticity (if that's a word..).  When you get to the first lyrical section, play much softer with a dolce touch- lower your wrist, use fingers rather than arm.  Dont use too much pedal at first to ensure the left hand part is even in rhythm and dyanmics.  Be careful not to blend separate harmonies as this is easy to do in such a piece.
donjuan    

Certainly not mine, I hate the Chopin Scherzos.  Not only for their sound, but  for their daunting repetition.

Good luck!

[donjuan]

well, then you must REALLY hate Schubert's impromptus.
;Ddonjuan

[Shagdac]

Thanks a bunch. I appreciate your tips! I'm sure these pieces will take awhile, but when I'm done with what I'm currently on, I think they'll be next.

Thanks again,
S