Chopin's Raindrop prelude ( Op. 28, no 15)

[Chris_Rossoni]

is this piece very hard?  it seems simple to listen to but i know sometimes they make it sound easy and it is really hard lol....

[tosca1]

Technically, it is surely among the easiest of Chopin's most popular compositions and its main challenge would be the repeated notes and mastering legato playing in both hands.  The key of D flat major may be difficult for novice players.
More difficult are the interpretive aspects of the piece including the phrasing,shaping of the melodic line and pedalling.  Particularly in the opening and closing sections of the piece the musical textures are very transparent and exposed and a real test in  achieving a beautiful cantilena in the right hand and a smooth, even left hand accompaniment.
It is a gorgeous piece and worth every moment of practice in overcoming its challenges.  

[Chris_Rossoni]

i was thinking about playing this piece at a recital..   I have 4 months to learn it so im sure that i can learn it by then.   If i don't like the way i play this song musically speaking then i won't play it lol.   i like the way horrowitz plays it.   The darker and low parts of the song have alot of power in his playing...

[tosca1]

You should be able to learn it comfortably in four months.  The middle section in C sharp minor is certainly dark and menacing, a wonderful contrast to the D flat major sections and it is not techically difficult.  An excellent recital  choice and I hope that you find it a joy to play.
Keep up the good work!
Robert.

[thomas_williams]

Yes, this is a wondrful piece and is not technically too difficult.  You should difinitely go for it.

[Rachmanoinoff]

It's funny you should mention this piece, I'm working on it right now!

go for it!  It's wonderful.... technically easy, but do you best to interpret it.  I use a lot of pedal (even when it doesn't "tell" you to) and experiment a lot.  You should do so, too!

(although watch out... Chopin is tricky in that he always changes notes around!!!)

Good luck!

Martin

[Rachmanoinoff]

P.S. I don't mean for yo uto use a lot of pedal, I meant for you to experiment with what you like, etc.