Polonaise in A flat Major ''Heroique'' is it hard?

[chopinlover23]

I've been fascinated by this Polonaise by Chopin, I listened to it on one of my CDs and instantly loved it. So I asked myself why dont I play it? I searched for some sheet music online and I was surprised to see that its very difficult to play, I could'nt get a single note right, any tips on how to play this piece with ease or links for an arranged version? Thanks =)

Luke

[pianisten1989]

You can always take away all the middle notes, or something like that, but I tell you: You will be way happier if you have this piece as some sort of goal. Then you've got something to aim for. And arrangements never ever sound well, so you'll only be disappointed..

[chopinlover23]

take away the middle notes ok i'll do that!! did you play this piece already? Please give me more tips on playing this piece. 

[ongaku_oniko]

Never played this piece, but won't in at least 2 more years.

I agree with pianisten, don't try for a mediocre version and just be satisfied. It won't sound the same.

Wait a bit and play the real thing. YOu'll feel like you've achieved a lot more. I mean what's the point in just playing the melody?

[pianisten1989]

take away the middle notes ok i'll do that!! did you play this piece already? Please give me more tips on playing this piece. 

I wasn't really serious... It will sound really bad! Looking at your repertoire, you're not ready for it. In piano, you can't just start playing something that difficult without any good technique.

[chopinlover23]

You're are all right!! Especially pianisten...maybe I was rushing into things and judging by who plays it are the great masters such as Martha Argerich whose version is my favorite.

Maybe I'll wait for a while till I have the right technique to play this piece.

Thanks for all your help

Luke =)

[quantum]

You may wish to wait to play this.  The original is much more satisfying to play than any arrangement.  I agree with setting this as a goal, it will give you something to look forward to.

In the meantime, why not try out one of the easier Polonaises. 

[invictious]

I agree. His Polonaise Op.26 no.1 in C# minor is absolutely lovely.

The 'military' polonaise is also quite nice.

[pianomatrix]

I have put the sheet music of heroic into something like a guitar tablature.
But I obviously can not post samples here since they sell sheet music here.

It's not like piano tabs either.

I  will have a collection of piano music in eBook.

I think when piano music gets this involved, any help would be a good thing.

[bbush]

I agree with invictious, that there are certainly easier Polonaises than the "Heroic" to start with!  I find the "Military" Polonaise (Op. 40 no. 1) fairly easy and quite a good piece, if played properly.

And my teacher always insists that I start working on a piece SLOWLY, getting all the notes AND PHRASING correct, before trying to play at tempo.  With the bigger pieces like the Polonaises, it is essential to NOT develop bad habits at first or the pieces may never sound right.

Good Luck,
Bruce