Technical challenges posed by Liszt's Réminiscences de Don Juan

[azbroolah]

What are the most technically challenging aspects of the piece? It's one of my very favorites and I would love to learn it but I'm nearly positive I don't have the technical ability to pull it off. If I could pick out the most difficult parts to give a shot, I think I could get a better idea. Thus, I'd like to know y'all's thoughts on what the most difficult parts are.

[j_menz]

What are your weaknesses? They'll be in there somewhere, and that will be the most challenging for you. There's not much this work leaves out in terms of technical requirements.

[azbroolah]

What are your weaknesses? They'll be in there somewhere, and that will be the most challenging for you. There's not much this work leaves out in terms of technical requirements.

I suppose I have trouble with rapid scale patterns. I know there's some rather prominent chromatic thirds, which isn't something I've encountered... The transcription I have doesn't give fingerings for them, apparently. One of the Chopin etudes focuses on that, right?

[j_menz]

I suppose I have trouble with rapid scale patterns. I know there's some rather prominent chromatic thirds, which isn't something I've encountered... The transcription I have doesn't give fingerings for them, apparently. One of the Chopin etudes focuses on that, right?

Indeed, but rather more gently. If you need fingerings for chromatic thirds, start with that etude.

I suggest you try and have a sight read through the score. Those thirds are a right pain, but seem to me the least of it's challenges.

[azbroolah]

Indeed, but rather more gently. If you need fingerings for chromatic thirds, start with that etude.

I suggest you try and have a sight read through the score. Those thirds are a right pain, but seem to me the least of it's challenges.

Well at least I have hands big enough for the stretches, so there's at least one thing I don't have to worry about.

Also, w.r.t. polyrhythms... From listening I don't notice anything too vile in it, would I be correct in saying so?


Edit: Also, is there a particular transcription you would recommend?

[j_menz]

Well at least I have hands big enough for the stretches, so there's at least one thing I don't have to worry about.

Also, w.r.t. polyrhythms... From listening I don't notice anything too vile in it, would I be correct in saying so?

There aren't really a lot of stretches in it. Most of it's chords etc. are an octave or less.  The polyrhythms are few and straightforward (if you're not obsessed with counting them). 

Don't listen. Get the score and read through it. Now! It's Liszt showing off, it's harder than it sounds in places, and easier in others. Your ears are meant to deceive you.