Alkan's op 65

[emrysmerlin]

I came across this piece while looking for Hamelin's second recording of Alkan's concerto, and now as I am finishing the presto movement Bach's Italian Concerto, I'm thinking of learning some of them. I'm not sure if I have the technique to play these pieces, though.

[edit: Before this I've also learnt Beethoven's Piano sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2, No. 3, 1st mvt, but nothing more.]

[49410enrique]

just pick one and start learning what you think might be the hardest section of the piece (or pieces if you go with more than one), after about 6 weeks if you have very little to show for it, then put it away and try another one, etc. either that of you you study with someone, get their opinion. 

[j_menz]

The barcarolle and the canon are probably the pieces you should look at first. Both should be within your capabilities (though both will be a challenge) and are a good introduction to Alkan.

[emrysmerlin]

Thanks. And should I do Chopin ballades first or after?

[j_menz]

Thanks. And should I do Chopin ballades first or after?

I'll assume that you are not just being an idiot.

The two Alkan pieces I mentioned are not nearly as difficult as you might think. Give them a go, you should be able to manage. Especially the Barcarolle, which is really lovely.

The Chopin Ballades are well outside your range at present.

[emrysmerlin]

Thanks. I am not by the way

[emrysmerlin]

Now that I have sight-read the op.65 and a couple of the ballades, I must say that both the ballades (as j_menz has mentioned) and the op.65 are way of my league. However, I can almost play all the notes in the ballade no.1, though obviously it would take much more time to perfect, I find some parts of the op.65 impossible in terms of technical difficulties at the required tempo.

[j_menz]

I find some parts of the op.65 impossible in terms of technical difficulties at the required tempo.

In the Barcarolle itself or in Op65 generally?

[emrysmerlin]

In the Barcarolle itself or in Op65 generally?

The op 65 of course, if I can play the presto of the Italian concerto... I think you are over-underestimating me!

[j_menz]

The op 65 of course, if I can play the presto of the Italian concerto... I think you are over-underestimating me!

No, you are misreading me. Most of Op 65 is going to be well beyond you.

The Barcarolle ( Op 65 No 6) should be managable for you with a fair bit of work.  Alkan has difficulties that are not just related to getting the notes out, so do not underestimate it, but it should be a worthwhile piece to spend some time with.