Are this etudes really, as my teacher puts it, the key to flawless technique (not dynamics) ? I am a bit of a late starter but I like to think that with dedication in a couple of years I may catch up.
Are Czerny Etudes fundamental for a good technique?
Good technique includes dynamics.Czerny's studies, as part of a balanced diet, won't hurt you and may even do you some good. You can get the same from repertoire, but you can get vitamin C from an orange or a pill. Czerny is the pill.
Now...now I just have to learn to appreciate Czerny
Try some of his actual compositions. You may well be pleasantly surprised.
I think I will check them tonight and pick something for my level. not a beginner but not quite a advanced intermediate...if that even makes sense. Thing is I am a bit picky >.>
You're in luck, then. There are a LOT to choose from.
Very well put. Earl Wild, who strongly recommended against the daily practice of scales and arpeggios to build technique, made an exception for the Czerny Studies. So, you can pretend that these are just additional pieces in your repertoire that you use to build your facility.