[Video] Chopin: Op.10 No.5 "Black Keys" Etude

[edward130603]

I have been working on this Chopin etude for a few months now, and my first competition is coming up at the end of this month.

Often, when I get about 3/4 of the way through (at around 1:05), my hands get really tired and I have to struggle through until the slight break with the 2 R.H. quarter notes. I was wondering about what I should do to improve my endurance/stamina and reduce the tension in my arm. In addition, other than playing it over and over again, how can I play it faster (do i need to?)?

Any other miscellaneous performance tips/advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for listening!

Youtube:

[wiwi1019]

I have been working on this Chopin etude for a few months now, and my first competition is coming up at the end of this month.

Often, when I get about 3/4 of the way through (at around 1:05), my hands get really tired and I have to struggle through until the slight break with the 2 R.H. quarter notes. I was wondering about what I should do to improve my endurance/stamina and reduce the tension in my arm. In addition, other than playing it over and over again, how can I play it faster (do i need to?)?

Any other miscellaneous performance tips/advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for listening!

I think you're already playing very well, and I don't think I heard too much "struggle" in your recording (just a tiny bit). The tempo is just fine to me, you don't need to play faster in my opinion, actually I do think if you play just a little bit slower (or "steadier"), it could be much better.

Your endurance/stamina sounds good to me, I think it's more helpful if you could try to be more "economical", but not "endurant".

Anyway, nice playing!

[edward130603]

Thanks wiwi, I'll try that.

[edward130603]

c'mon guys, please comment!  

[ramseytheii]

Well, since you asked twice!

Perhaps the problem you are getting tense in the right hand is that it is too heavy, and too uniformly loud.  I think two things need to happen here: one, the left hand has to be played with much more creativity, and less monotonous accents.  Second, you should embrace the character of the piece rather than seek to increase speed.  For me what is missing is a sense of enchantment, a sense of fun magic and that kind of imagery.

It has to be much softer, and also have more variety of tempo, and have variety of sound.  Although you observe the dynamics on the surface in the left hand, the right hand doesn't change much.  It's loud and a little bit less loud.

You don't seem to have many problems with your technique so I am sure you can handle this.

Walter Ramsey

[edward130603]

lol, thanks Mr. Ramsey. I was just getting a little anxious since my competition is right around the corner. Thanks for the advice.