Chopin nouvelles étude no.1

[schubertiad]

Hey all,
While visiting my family back home I took the chance to record this lovely etude on a proper piano. The piece was one of three etudes written by Chopin as a contribution to a pedagogical book by Moscheles. The piece is a study in 3-4 cross-rhythms, with an undulating bass figure supporting a restless melody in the right hand.

It was recorded on 100-odd year old 6' Steinway, too bright and big for the room, but a nice instrument nonetheless.

Any and all comments welcome.

Ben

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BQHT6yQtXA

[schubertiad]

Sorry to bump my own thread, but before it gets buried on page 2, if anyone has any thoughts or advice then please let me know!

Ben

[birba]

I kept meaning to listen to this because I love the three nouvelles etudes.  Your tone is full and rich and I liked your tempo.  I don't know what edition you are using.  I think the original has the very very long phrasing lines, and this can be misleading, I think.  Within that multi-measured slur, you have to break it down into smaller phrases - without lifting the hand, of course - and shape them so that they make sense.  Your playing resulted monotone because there was no molding of these internal phrases.  Build up - calm down - climax, etc.  I don't have the music with me, but there are many ways you can shape these long lines.
Do you do no. 3?

[schubertiad]

Hi, thanks for commenting. I agree it sounds a bit flat, although while playing I felt like I was doing much more push and pull with the tempo. It is amazing how different things seem at the time, isn't it?

Regarding your question, the numbering for the etudes is quite confused, since numbers 2 is often referred to as number 3, and vice versa. Not sure which one you meant, but I have learned the whole set. The one in a flat is wonderful, I may post that up as well. I learned the d flat one about a year ago, and I remember it being an absolute nightmare to get right, especially the ornamentation in the opening few bars. I haven't played it in a while though, so need to do a bit of hard work before it is recordable again.