Polonaise op 53 HELP!!!

[scherzando23]

Hi everyone!!
I'm working on Chopin's Polonaise op 53 for a competition coming in 4 months... and I'm just wondering what tempo should I play it in.. It just says Maestoso.

The introduction... how fast should I play it? My edition indicates a metronome mark of 104 for each quarter note.... dunno how to say it.

The main theme...the metronome mark says 90 for each quarter note.

Then there's this part with the running octaves...

Then the Coda

I dont know how fast or slow should I play this piece... I really need help.
Maybe tell me if its moderato or something

I've been watching videos of Horowitz, Argerich, Paderewski playing this piece... and they're really very good.

Thanks... so much

[49410enrique]

also give a listen to Rubenstein  too, try to see if you hear a common approach by all of them, i.e. certain tempo ranges, this should give you some idea of where to approach it from.

on the metronime indication, those are generally editoria so consider your edition, try to cross reference with a Paderewski and Henle if you don't have either as your main working score.

[gvans]

Chopin was reported to have been quite upset once at a student playing the E major octave section too fast.

Tempo, in general, is a personal thing. When I learn a new piece, I go slowly, then when I get it down, I sometimes play it too fast. It takes a while to find a tempo that makes the piece speak to you--unfortunately, you don't have much time.

I like a slower tempo nowadays with the Ab. And, I don't play the thing as loud as I used to, preferring a more subtle approach. Otherwise it can veer towards militaristic bombast.

[diegojg]

I advise with all my heart to watch Polini's and Lisitsa's interpretation, Polini comes with a sort of standart tempo and he keeps it all the piece long, because Polonaises are in their root a dance called Polonez. Lisitsa plays it very slowly exept the intro which is faster than the usual. I'm sure when you listen to these ones you will find your music

I'm working at this piece as well. but my problems are with fingering in the main theme.

LISITSA

POLINI

 
I hope I helped.