Rachmaninoff prelude op 23 no 4 or Chopin Tristesse op 10 no 3

[lalo57]

Which one do you like better and also which one is harder to tackle tacking into account the singing lines, balance and technical aspects?

[four_ballades]

Having played both of these, I can't choose a favorite. At first glance, I would give a nod to the Chopin based on the delicate balance between the barcarolle outer sections and the turbulent inner section. But then in the Rachmaninoff, I would have to consider the exploration of the simple, original theme into a rich polyphonic texture (op. 23/no. 4 is a essentially a theme and variations). So again, I can't choose a favorite.

Technically, the Chopin is harder. The middle section, with the chromatically descending tritones and especially the section marked con bravura, require solid technique and tons of practice to keep clear and even. Overall, keeping the section legato can be a real challenge. The outer sections are less difficult but still require independence of fingers to bring out the melody. There is no doubt that the Rachmaninoff is difficult technically as well, especially given the polyphony of the second section as well as the large chords and leaps (especially in the left hand; it can feel very awkward until you really learn the notes) throughout. Nonetheless, it doesn't require the same sort of agility and intensity that goes into the middle section of the Chopin.

With that all said, bringing out the lines in the Rachmaninoff is difficult and essential to a good performance. Particularly in the second section, keeping the theme clear while subduing the higher eighth notes can be tricky. You mentioned balance: balance here can be harder to attain in a way I never noticed as much in the Chopin. Of course, balance in the outer parts of the Chopin is difficult, but I found it more comfortable in my hand (and thus easier to manage). The Rachmaninoff can just feel awkward at times because it's written for bigger hands.

These are two of my absolute favorites. I must say that one of my favorite parts of the entire piano repertoire is in the Rachmaninoff: in the third section, starting with the G minor and moving towards the climax of chords, there is little music as romantically lush. Some people hate that type of classical music, but I personally love it. The depth of sound is incredible.

Enjoy!

[carl_h]

I never played the Chopin etude and only worked a bit on the Rachmaninoff, but I like the prelude better. What I can tell is that I gravely underestimated the prelude, I wanted to learn this quickly and thought I could but Sergei put both my feet back on the ground instantly.
Voicing is the real challenge (well, for me) and a lot harder in the 2nd section. Then you have a build-up to the climax that is about a page long, not easy. Thats about as far as I got at the moment.


Grts!

[nanabush]

I can't speak for the Chopin etude.  But in the Rachmaninoff, voicing is what really makes the piece.  There are tons of contrapuntal lines in it that you want to be able to bring out whenever you want!

[symphonicdance]

I played both before, and I found the mentioned Rachmaninoff took me more effort to get the multi-voicing sounds more appropriate and clearer (still not up to my satisfaction)...