Learning Chopin's Preludes II

[jwgrimmett]

The forum on the topic Learning Chopin's Preludes showed that the previous entry is more than 500 days old, and the system suggested a new topic should be started.

I wish to offer an order of difficulty of the Preludes, and ask for comments.   If there is interest in continuing, the goal would be to write a compendium of difficulties found in the Preludes, similar to what has been done for the Etudes, and how to overcome them, and how to teach the student how to overcome them.  We could draw from traditions such as Matthay, Leschetizky, Cortot and other sources.

First, there is the book by Jane Magrath, "Guide to Standard Teaching and Performance Literature," which suggests a teaching order for the easiest 10 Preludes.  She suggests these are at grades 6 through 10.  Grade 6 has numbers 4, 6, and 7.  Grade 7 number 20.  Grade 8 number 9.  Grade 9 number 15.  Grade 10 numbers 13, 17, 21, and 22.   

My own opinion is that numbers 1 and 2 should be in these grades.

There are other similar lists, such as the Associated Board of the Royal Schools, and I would appreciate any information for other lists. 

A disclaimer:  My order might be different from another person's order and this is for several reasons, including familiarity with the music, musical maturity, and other such considerations.

I would group the Preludes in four parts, Group I being the easiest.  Groups I and II might be possible for High School students to perform, and perhaps younger students as well if their hands are physically ready, especially in Group I.  The reader will notice that these are similar to Jane MaGrath's order, with slight differences.  Groups III and IV demand greater musicianship.  Notice that I suggest that numbers 16 and 19 are more difficult than 24, with which other writers might disagree.

Group I:  4, 6, 7, 20, 2, 9
Group II:  15, 13, 1, 17, 21, 22
Group III:  14, 10, 11, 3, 18, 23
Group IV:  5, 12, 8, 24, 19, 16

Thank you.

[jorley]

How on earth is number 1 in group two, easier than number 11, 17, and 21? I have to say that seems pretty wrong. Also, I believe number 22 should be placed in group 3 and number 11 in group 2. Number 23 should be placed lower in group 3.