Chopin's Polonaise Op. 53 (Heroic) Vs. Chopin's Scherzo No. 2

[future_maestro]

These pieces are obviously two of the most extraordinary compositions by Chopin.

From a professional pianist's standpoint, which one is harder to play?

[onwan]

First of all, they aren't songs but (master) pieces.

I haven't played any of this but I think that the polonaise is technically and musicaly harder than the scherzo. Just look at the sheet-the octave part has to be really tiring.

But the scherzo is definitely not easy-my teacher told me that she was learning it and stopped because the coda was too difficult.

[jeffkonkol]

The polonaise is generally considered much harder.... there are MANY challenges all throughout that wonderful piece.

[jonathandkeener]

I've played the Polonaise, but only "dabbled" with the Scherzo. I think they both are quite difficult, but great pieces! Saying which is "harder" probably depends somewhat on your own physical strengths/limitations, but I bet they are pretty comparable. If you learn the Polonaise take extra care to stay relaxed during the left hand octave passage in the middle. It's the one thing that may prevent you from playing it - tensing up will only keep you from playing it up to tempo!

[orangesodaking]

I've played the Polonaise, but only "dabbled" with the Scherzo. I think they both are quite difficult, but great pieces! Saying which is "harder" probably depends somewhat on your own physical strengths/limitations, but I bet they are pretty comparable. If you learn the Polonaise take extra care to stay relaxed during the left hand octave passage in the middle. It's the one thing that may prevent you from playing it - tensing up will only keep you from playing it up to tempo!

Yeah, I'd figure that one would need a really good feel for wading through all those chords and octaves without them getting in the way of making the music. I agree, they're both quite difficult. I think the Scherzo often gets portrayed as a more manageable piece, but they both have their difficulties so it's hard to say. As Jonathan says, it probably comes down to the various aspects of your own teachnique, and what your strengths/weaknesses are.

Oh, and hi Jonathan!

[canada100]

Both of these pieces are indeed very challenging pieces, which are indeed overplayed, and unfortunately, often badly. They are both very tough pieces, presenting difficult challenges. I would not compare; however, this is like comparing apples to oranges. They both have separate challenges.

Op. 53 is technically challenging, especially the middle section with the octaves in the left hand. The fourths in the opening are also a hurdle. Scherzo No. 2 is also difficult, both technically and musically. There is so much magic in the middle section. Listen to Argerich!

Practice slowly! Taste the sound! Listen!

Very few people play them well. Most just butcher these pieces. Being ready for a piece is not just having the technique, it is also about maturity. The best performances of these works are by Horowitz, Argerich, and Stanislav Bunin. Pollini is also admirable, and so is Zimerman. Rubinstein is the Master of Chopin! Must listen to him!

Lang Lang and Yundi Li are definitely out of the question. They have no musical understanding or depth. It is just fingers and notes.