How long to learn concerto/memorizing

[chopin2015]

WARNING, a lot of info

Hello! I am working on a ton of music again, since I am on break. I just recently memorized a lot of music and it has all been so overwhelming, trying to decide what to do next, whether to actually play the pieces, what to actually do with myself and my time. Recording only segments of here and there, to see what I sound like.

Basically, I am working on next semester's pieces and the concerto, for senior year. I am a junior, right now.

I am thinking of working on just the first and second movement this winter break, have them mostly memorized. I am well into the first movement and started the second one today. (Yet, I have no idea how I am going to do this.)

But! How do you practice a concerto, especially if you are working on other pieces? I am terrified! I have never waited this long and am scared to trust that only even more time spent working on yet more memorization can actually make this happen! Are memorization skills what will help me complete this task? (Granted, I am working on the technique, as well! Forget expression, I can do that as we go.)

What if you had only a month to memorize 2 movements? That is all I am giving myself and more and more it seems like a fair time frame, just to memorize and have some idea of an appropriate tempo. But sometimes I get really down and unproductive. So please tell me how to stay on track!

More on the work I have to do:

Unfortunately, one of the Bach p&fs I finished, I decided I do not want to play right now.
I am doing Book 1 g minor and book 2 g sharp minor.

the book 2 fugue is freaking bull****.
There are a couple other pieces I just finished/so close, including some Rachmaninoff. But I do not want nor need to discuss them.

The concerto is almost overwhelming, but I am hoping this is because I have never seriously attempted this.

Yes, it is the first chopin concerto, and I am having a great time with it. I have the chopin institute /padarewski edition, no fingerings.

In general, sometimes I don't even know how I am able to do things, or how I retain anything... at all. I have doubt yet I have no doubt. What is that feeling?

Another issue is the fact that I am having a 4th ear surgery tomorrow. The anesthesia really messed with me last time (had 2 surgeries this summer...) and I feel different. I freak out really easily and fear is almost uncontrollable now! My stage fright is worse, I've been hiding in a practice room since.


Thank you so much! Feel free to message me or whatever, and any questions you may have, I welcome!

[arungargstl]

The only way to tackle concertos while maintaining a full repertoire is daily, organized practice.

For me, I divide my practice into two sections: 3 hours of intensive study on one piece, and a separate 3 hour block to review the rest of my current repertoire. If, like you mention, the concerto is the piece you need more work on, plan to dedicate the intensive block just to the concerto; however, cap your daily reviewing, memorizing, and retaining to only a few pages at a time. This common method works on any repertoire combination, and is amazingly effective in concerto prep.

Luckily, both Chopin concertos are very intuitive for a pianist, and fit nicely in the hands. Additionally, the movements are, internally, quite repetitive (in its skeletal structure), so memorizing is less daunting than it seems. It is often best to map out (away from the piano) exactly what is occurring, both in terms of harmonic structure and development of the musical figures. Do this while listening to a decent recording (I suggest Garrick Ohlsson, Argerich, Ashkenazy).

Mastering the romantic concertos is definitely a physical and musical challenge, but simply requires straightforward thinking. Instead of playing through the parts that are fun, or that you love, or that are beautiful, commit to learning a few pages (or a few bars if that's easier) at a time, and mastering them inside and out. If you think about it, playing the same four or five pages over a single three-hour block should leave the notes well ingrained into your muscles's memory. After a couples weeks, you'll be amazed at how much you've learned AND retained.

P.S. I am a not so quick learner, and with this method I gained from lessons with Mr. Fleisher I learned both Chopin concerti within a month and a half; so, you can definitely manage two movements in a month if your dedicated and determined.

The results you want are directly relative to the amount of THOUGHTFUL, CAREFUL practice and work that you put in.

Message me if you need any more help!

GOOD LUCK

AG

[chopin2015]

Thank you so much!

Yes, I am almost done with the first movement. I memorized a few more pages today, and worked more of previous material to a good tempo. I will review the new material a couple times tomorrow, and work through it again. Probably will not add any new stuff tomorrow. Or maybe, just a little bit of the 2nd movement.

I pretty much am just practicing all new material right now, and the concerto. Sadly, I have no time for review. Today was the 1st day after my ear surgery, and I had trouble with dizziness and I swear the temperament of the piano seemed off. Hard to get too far in a concerto, when little things here and there actually bother me A LOT. haha...

But yes, thank you for your insight, it is very helpful to receive a response to my panic! Thanks again!

Also, I was listening to Pollini.