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Topic: Chopin Ballade in G minor  (Read 1378 times)

Offline cancer121

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Chopin Ballade in G minor
on: August 01, 2014, 12:31:36 AM
I'm currently studying Chopins Ballade (Still on the intro). I believe i could get through this even if it takes the five years Chopin spent writing this wonderful piece. However, i usually rely on visual aids aswell as sheet music when studying a complicated composition, and for the Ballade the ones i've found are not informative. Is there anyone who would be so kind to do a video tutorial?
This is the composition which got me into Classical music and i made a promise to myself that i would learn it despite its complexity. I'd be grateful if someone helped me out.

Offline mikeowski

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Re: Chopin Ballade in G minor
Reply #1 on: August 01, 2014, 01:28:05 AM
How long and which pieces have you been playing so far?

For now I'm just going to assume that you shouldn't try to learn this, since you're still at the level of using video tutorials (unless we're talking something like paul barton).
You'll probably
1.) hurt yourself, potentially seriously, if you try to force-learn something so far out of your reach, and
2.) not get anywhere near a passable rendition even if your hands haven't fallen off by the time you're done learning the notes (if you manage to at all).

Better strategy: climb up the ladder learning easier pieces first. (And get a teacher if you don't have one)

Offline quantum

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Re: Chopin Ballade in G minor
Reply #2 on: August 01, 2014, 01:40:10 AM
I'd suggest taking on some waltzes or preludes for now, and work your way up. 

You're asking something the sort of:
I've built some RC planes, can you give me a video tut on how to build the space shuttle.

You will get there, just be patient and enjoy the ride.  There is plenty of music you will enjoy along the way.

Made a Liszt. Need new Handel's for Soler panel & Alkan foil. Will Faure Stein on the way to pick up Mendels' sohn. Josquin get Wolfgangs Schu with Clara. Gone Chopin, I'll be Bach

Offline lazyfingers

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Re: Chopin Ballade in G minor
Reply #3 on: August 01, 2014, 06:25:19 AM
The Ballade in itself isn't technically exceptionally difficult. However, it is in my opinion the most Romantic of all the Ballades and the musicality is the most difficult part to get.

As for how long to learn it, that is not a question anybody can answer because it all depends on where you are at the moment. If you are contemplating this, then 3 to 6 months is apparently all you need, provided you are sufficiently proficient. I actually committed this Ballade to memory in less than 3 months, and then when I showed it to my teacher she told me I played like a student (a deep injury to my ego but a diagnosis I totally agree with now). And then she showed me how a performer would play it and I spent the next month unlearning what I had done.

My advice is watch out for the musicality,

Regards

Offline cancer121

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Re: Chopin Ballade in G minor
Reply #4 on: August 01, 2014, 12:01:54 PM
Thank you. I appreciate all your help

Offline flashyfingers

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Re: Chopin Ballade in G minor
Reply #5 on: August 02, 2014, 04:28:53 PM
Try something with a more simple song structure. Chopin fantasie impromptu. If you can get the hands sounding clear throughout the song, then you can go forth and tackle the ballade with the same curious state of mind, and be very assertive when learning the ballade. I would tackle the impromptu first, though.
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