Ballade 1

[jorley]

Hi everyone! Would you guys say that Chopin's first ballade is harder or easier technically than his Polonaise-Fantaisie?

[chetu]

Hi everyone! Would you guys say that Chopin's first ballade is harder or easier technically than his Polonaise-Fantaisie?

It may be difficult to play Polonaise-Fantaisie unless you have big hands.

[le_poete_mourant]

The Polonaise-Fantasie is harder in almost every regard. Beyond the technical difficulties, the Polonaise-Fantasie is a much more difficult work to interpret and play well, from a musical and intellectual standpoint.

[ade16]

The final Presto con fuoco is far more difficult to pull off convincingly and up to the required tempo than anything in the Polonaise-Fantasie in my opinion, having played both pieces in recital. The rest of the Ballade is generally on a par with the other work. Both works require great concentration and physical stamina in performance along with several other longer Chopin piano works. It comes down to the level of your technique and your experience as a performer at the end of the day.