Quest to all Chopin Etudes Op 10 no 1

[ahoffmann]

This is the first of the really difficult etudes I've uploaded. I'm not completely satisfied with it just yet so I might return and do a (hopefully) better version in the future.

[stevensk]

VERY VERY good! 

I would play it it whith somewhat more dynamics. But anyway, you play it great! 

[ahoffmann]

Thanks stevensk

You're absolutely right about the dynamics. That's one of the things I'm sure I can do better next time.
And my left hand possibly not looking like it's holding onto my only lifeline

[birba]

Wonderful.  You have a facile technique that helps make this etude flowing.  It's almost too facile!!  I'm not saying that it has to sound difficult, but there is something missing musically.  a certain depth.  You're certainly right in thinking the left hand is not sustaining throughout the etude.  This happens when we get caught up in making sure the right hand doesn't flub it up.
I would suggest a certain way to practise this.  Without changing the tempo, exaggerate a crescendo in the ascending part of the arpeggio, stopping on the first note of the following measure.  At this point, descend without thinking of a diminuendo but only a lightness of the fingers.  In this way you create a wave-like figuration.  Similar to the "ocean" etude.  Each wave is a different harmony.  A different sound.  When the harmony changes at times in the descending passage, change the pedal, but only lighten up the hand as you go down.
Sustain this all with a booming left hand and don't be so concerened with those 16th notes.
Brava.  This has all the makings of a first-rate performance!

[ahoffmann]

Thanks birba!

That's an interesting way to practice it. Do you mean pausing at the first note of the descending arpeggio? Or was it just that the crescendo stops tere?

[birba]

The apex of the line.  Which is the first note of the descending arpeggio.  The climax of the phrase.

[ahoffmann]

Ok thx.
I might return to it after doing three or four others. Depending on how I feel.