Chopin Etude vs. Godowsky Etude

[orangesodaking]

I'm a fan of Chopin's Op. 25 No. 11 in A Minor "Winter Wind" etude, but I'm also a fan of the "not-as-played" music, because it's a little fresher. I'm also looking for an etude that works the left hand a lot. Godowsky's paraphrase on Chopin's Winter Wind etude does just that: the left hand plays the fast runs and the right hand does the melody. Do you suggest that I learn this, or if not, what's another etude that has a substancial left hand part (primarily fast fingerwork... my octave, chord, and jumping techniques in my left hand are really good already)? Thanks

And I can't post Youtube links because I'm at school at the moment and they block that site... but you can Youtube "Godowsky 42" or "Godowsky Winter Wind" to hear them (either by Marc-André Hamelin, or a couple of amateur pianists). And here is a link to the score (scroll down to page 18 of the PDF file): https://imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/f/f5/IMSLP30947-PMLP09194-Godowsky_-_Etudes_Dapres_Chopin_-_Book_5__41-48_.pdf

Personally, I like Godowsky's paraphrase a tad better... It's a little more "gnarly." 

[edwardweiss]

Well I have always wanted to programme Opus 10 nr.1 and the Godowsky versions of Op.10 nr.1 as well-but I have never done so and now probably never will. But you are young and probably confident-so there's a suggestion for you. I really rate Alkan as well. He is alleged to have said 'I don't take pupils-I have enough problems teaching myself' and Boy-I can empathise with that remark!

[orangesodaking]

I'd love to hear where Alkan said that!   That's hilarious!

I think Alkan did have pupils, especially after Chopin died because some of them went to him. And in William Alexander Eddie's book, there are actually specific accounts of Alkan and one of his students.

But back on topic, I think the very first Godowsky study (on Op. 10 No. 1) may be more difficult than the Winter Wind is, because the original Op. 10 No. 1 gives me great trouble... doing the 10th and 11th arpeggios with just the right hand is bad enough, let alone both hands!   The Winter Wind seems more managable.

Thanks for your reply.