Chopin's Waltz Op. 34 No. 2

[qpalqpal]

I am a student with a really good taste for classical music. I am 14 years old and have been playing piano seriously for 1 year already, after already knowing a lot from being self taught for 4 years. I have mastered a few pieces lately, and they are the following:

• Bach's Invention 4
• Clementi's Sonatina Op. 36 No. 1 1st movement
• A few very simple jazz pieces

That's pretty much that. I also learned Chopin's waltz Op. 34 No. 2. And now I forgot a little bit of it since I thought it was horrible when I 'mastered' it. More like completed it "unsatisfactory". I want some advice. Should I repay it a visit and continue on it? Or leave Chopin and go elsewhere. I am very much a Chopin fanatic. I know almost all his works, and have his entire discography from Arthur Rubinstein. So it is important to me. Also I want to refine it so that I can play it at my schools talent show March 9th.

If I can continue, this is what I need help on. This piece is very soft and balanced. I dont know how to achieve this balance, how to make it sound nice. I pretty much have fingering and speed, but my dynamics and feeling needs help. Please pay a visit and write me some advice.
Thanks

[j_menz]

The balance and musicality in this Waltz is really quite difficult. I don't seriously believe you can get it to an acceptable standard for your talent show in a month.  For that, either the Invenmtion or the Sonatina would be a better choice, probably the Sonatina.

That said, there is much to be gained from continuing to work on this piece to get the sound you are after.  I see you are also doing a Prelude, which will help. You may also find that some of the Mazurkas will be good practice too. You need to concentrate on achieving the balance and flow you are after. It takes time; there are no shortcuts.

I adore Chopin, but there is nothing easy about him, even when the notes are pretty straightforward. He is also a fairly unforgiving composer - a substandard performance will really show itself.  When played well, he is sublime; and to play him well is (on the occassions it happens) one of life's great joys.  Keep at him; you will get there in time.

[technique]

In order to play Chopin it is neccesary to love playing scales. Once someone shows you how to play scales with a perfect, songful and even legato, regardless of speed and without any tension or jerky movement what so ever....all your musical dreams in playing songfully will be at your wish and control

[j_menz]

In order to play Chopin it is neccesary to love playing scales.

Rubbish!!!  One may have to be able to play them as you describe, but to love playing scales???  That's just ever so slightly weird, IMO 

[qpalqpal]

Well, here's the thing: I think I pretty much play it very well since I have been playing it since June. I might be completely wrong, but I feel a lot more satisfied than I used to be with it. If I am indeed wrong, than give me a "starter piece" that might better introduce myself to Chopin's intricacy. I really prefer that it not be a prelude, but thats absolutely fine if it will help me  Something like a mazurka might be good I guess. What I don't want is to stress about getting to a destination, but rather get somewhere in a fun way. That would be good, so any experts in Chopin "technique", help me out a little. I want to take it slow, but well. No bad habits, because I hate those.