How do you play Chopin Nocturne no 2 op 9 measure 24?

[theshepherddd]

I have been working on it for a week and got stuck on measure 24. I can do it accurately in a very slow tempo, but when I attempt to play faster, it will all get messed up. Thanks in advance If there is any good suggestions! 

[j_menz]

That's the bar with the two sets of quintuplets, right?

The secret here is to practice slowly, and be sure to get them even in fives. Have you done anything in 5/4 or 5/8 time before?

Five is not a natural count, so most people find it difficult at first.

Don't try to speed up until you have got them working really properly slowly. It may also help to cut down the bass to just a single note on each chord to start off with (just one less complication). The add the full chords, and then increase speed slowly.

[theshepherddd]

Thanks! And yea isn't the first section of Chopin's Fantasia Impromptu similar to this part? I can play that piece quite well. But when I listen to those pianists on YouTube they seem to play this part more freely on rhythm. Is that also a solution?

[j_menz]

Thanks! And yea isn't the first section of Chopin's Fantasia Impromptu similar to this part? I can play that piece quite well. But when I listen to those pianists on YouTube they seem to play this part more freely on rhythm. Is that also a solution?

The first bit of the FI is a 6v8 polyrhythm (with the first of the 6 being a rest). This part really isn't a polyrhythm, just an odd tuplet.  It should be played freely, but in order to do that you need first to be able to play it strictly. Otherwise it will not sound free, just sloppy.

[theshepherddd]

I think I got it, thanks!

[ikako]

Do not try to play these ornament in time. Chopin said that this should sound as if improvised.
I would suggest you play this ornament loudly and staccato. Than you will be able to play freely and clearly in legato. Start slower and accelerate in the end, that's how the ornaments (most of them) should sound in Chopin. Do not dwell on them, they are just embellishments, which should SOUND like embellishments, like improvisations.