Chopin concerto 1, mov.1 vs mov.3

[franz_]

I'm studying this, starting with the 3rd movement.
Please tell me that the 3rd movement is technically harder than the first ? 

[lorditachijr]

The 3rd movement is technically harder than the first. Okay, I did what you told me to. Do I get candy? Haha, just kidding.

I have never played the 1st Concerto, other than working a little on the first movement. From what I could tell, the first movement really wasn't that difficult and just needed some focused practice. I personally think that you should start with the 1st movement (just my opinion). You definitely shouldn't be starting with the 3rd just because it's harder (if it's your favorite movement, by all means start with it). When I work on a piece, I don't think about which movement is hardest. I just think that this movement might need more work than that movement, or vice versa. With the technique to conquer this piece, it isn't a matter of difficulty; it's a matter of how much work you have to do to get the piece to performance level. Do you have a time limit on learning the piece? If not, I would suggest taking your time with it and really enjoying the concerto. Maybe you could learn your favorite passages first, so you would go ahead and get a lot of enjoyment out of it.

Good luck!
John

[franz_]

Hello John,

Thank you for your comments. The reason I start with the third movement is because I think it is technicaly the hardest, and I really want to play the whole concerto. So my way of thinking is; if I can handle the 3rd movement, I will be able to play the whole concerto. As for a 'deadline', I would like to know all movements by heart for the end of November more or less.

[lorditachijr]

What other repertoire are you working on? You're giving yourself less 3 months to learn a very difficult concerto. Most people would dedicate that amount of time to learning one movement of it (other than the 2nd of course). I don't know your current level, but I don't think 3 months is at all a reasonable time-table to learn this concerto.

My idea is that the 3rd movement would probably feel more natural and maybe easier to you if you do the other 2 first. It is your choice, so if you want to learn the 3rd movement first, go right ahead!

You should already have the chops to handle this concerto when you first approach it (not saying that you don't). If you do, I would think you'd be able to learn the movements in any order you want. Which movement is your favorite? That is the one I'd start with if I were you.

Good luck!
John

[franz_]

My current repertoire that is written down in my signature dates from 2006, I have some experience with the works of Chopin, and I'm pretty sure I can learn all movements by heart till the end of November. Musically it might need a longer time of course. I started this topic just based on the technical aspect. I learn this concerto with the idea to be able to play it on a very good level with an orchestra, so I just ask for some experience which parts are the most difficult, so I can look if they work. To answer your question, I think I like the first movement most

[lorditachijr]

If you were playing those pieces 5 years ago, and continued your studies, then there is probably no question that you can play the Chopin. I say go for it, but if I were you I'd still start with the first movement since it's your favorite. I'm not saying having it mastered by November isn't possibly, and if you feel it is then I trust your judgement. I guess I would rather undershoot and pleasantly surprise myself than set the bar high and possibly disappoint myself. Good luck in learning this difficult piece, and I hope you enjoy it!

John

[franz_]

I start to know the notes of the last movement, but damn, when I listen to any recording... people play so fast! metronome mark 108-112, i ca barely reach 100. I don't know if i'll ever be able to play that fast