Which piece is considered harder?

[adidaschica]

Hi,

is the waltz in e minor; posthumous; by chopin harder or is the nocturne in f minor; op. 55, no1; by chopin  considered harder?

[Fastzuernst]

I would say that the Nocturne is more difficult.  Not necessarly technically, but musically. The waltz is quite easy, as it all falls well within the fingers. This one is quite accessable to anyone who has some familarlity with the works of chopin, and even those who haven't!
On the other hand, I find the nocturnes quite challenging musically.
My verdict - play both!!!

[larse]

I would think so. It's a lot harder tempo, generally, which demands technique. And as the Nocturne is slow and heavy, the waltz is quick and light. It's actually sort of two oposites, I think. Though I would consider the Waltz to be harder.

Well actually definately now that I listen to it. The waltz also contains a set of runs which could be demanding. Not to mention the cadenza-like part in the Coda. Yes, I would put the Waltz in Em higher on the food-chain.

Oh, but I agree with mr man over there. I would definately play them both. Because they're so different you'd be challenging yourself in more at the same time, pluss you get two new great pieces on your repertory. (I don't really know the word in english, it just felt natural)..

Though, I find the 'musical' demands in Chopin's Nocturnes to be...well...quite easy. At least compared to certain others. As someone said, Chopin is a sort of.. Romantic for beginners. It's quite simple to understand what he's after. 'Musically' compared to Liszt or Schumann, he's easier, I think. Not that there's anything bad with that, just that I don't find the music in the Nocturnes such a challenge as his runs.

[adidaschica]

hmm which one do think would be better for a serious piano competition?  i can only choose one...

well if u listen to the whole nocturne its pretty showy...but so is the waltz AHHH how am i going to decide?!

[larse]

I would definately choose the waltz because of who I am, but I really think you'd be better off choosing the Nocturne. Because It reflects more of you as a whole. The Waltz could be judged as a pure technical showoff. It tells to little. The Nocturne is a more reflecting piece. Or rather, with the Nocturne, you could tell more about you as a pianist than with the Waltz. The Waltz could be suitable for an extra-number after you win.

[Fastzuernst]

Yes.. Definately the waltz!!

[larse]

huh?

The waltz is harder, easier, more suitable, or not suitable?

[Fastzuernst]

The waltz sounds harder than it is!