Liebestraum...Fantasie Impromptu...now what?

[jugular]

I've been working on Liebestraum for 4 months and Fantasie Impromptu for about 2 months. I'm ironing out some bumps in that last damn cadenza in Liebestraum, and I'm working on the C section of Fantasie Impromptu as well as playing through it fluently while trying to figure out how to properly use rubato in certain parts.

Those two pieces kept me busy for the summer as well as the first month of school, but now I'm trying to figure out what piece would be good for me to work on next. I'm mainly looking for a technical piece, preferably from the Romantic or Baroque period (Bach and Chopin being my favourite composers of the respected periods). I am doing music in University right now, but my major is Tuba so I try and fit in as much piano practice as possible. I have also been without a teacher for the past 3 years, so I want the piece to be something that I won't butcher with bad technique.

I'm open to all suggestions, and if it helps I also have Maple Leaf Rag, Chopin's Nocturne Op.9 No.2, and Claire De Lune under my belt. Thank you in advance!

[jazzyprof]

If you're looking for a technical piece, how about an etude?  I think you're ready for the Revolutionary Etude (Chopin etude op.10 #12).

[werq34ac]

Soiree dans Grenade by Debussy is a wonderful piece, you might want to look into it. It's probably a little bit of a stretch from the Chopin, but it's still within reason. Or you could look into the other two movements from the Estampes suite, Pagodes and Jardin Sous la Pluie. All 3 are gorgeous pieces.

If you want to stay within the realm of Chopin, you'll probably want to play less cliche pieces. I think the ballades are a bit too much for now, but maybe in a year or two. The etude mentioned above is good, though you could look at other etudes. Perhaps a Polonaise? You could try Op. 26/1 in C# minor.

If you want some Liszt, I think Un Sospiro MIGHT be within reason, though it will be a huge commitment at this level. Personally I would wait until next year or so. Consolations come to mind, but they might be a step down from Liebestraume 3.

Beethoven? Pathetique works at this point, so does the Moonglight (all 3 movements). Could do Pastorale, or Op. 2/2. I'm reluctant to say Tempest, maybe the 3rd movement?

Ravel is wonderful, look at his Pavane pour une infunte d'enfunte and the Sonatine 1st and 2nd movements

Could start playing some Schumann? Faschingschwank Aus Wien comes to mind.


Bach is a must. If I weren't religious, I would tell you he should be worshiped.

[stoudemirestat]

Chopin - The Etudes seem to be perfect for what you're looking for here. Be sure to look through them, although for sure most of them are beyond you for now. They are all etudes, but i'm wondering when you say 'technical piece' do you mean fast and flashy? Or just working on improving technique (which all chopin etudes by definition do, even the slower, less flashy ones). Anyway, i'll stick to the faster ones for now. Í'd recommend op 10 no 9, 25/9, 25/1, 10/5, 10/12 as ones you could probably handle. But of course, look into all of them and follow the score, and you decide whether you like them and whether you can handle them for yourself.

[jugular]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I've decided to tackle the Revolutionary Etude as I could use the exercise for my neglected left hand =P