Rachmaninov Etudes Tableaux

[johnsmith504]

Hi,

I am considering learning some (2-3) of the Op.33 and Op.39 Etudes Tableaux. I would like to know which of the set are 'easier' to pick up.

Does anyone have experience with learning these pieces?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[diomedes]

I did and recorded most of op.33 last year and even some of 39. Op.39 is by far more demanding, i consider some of them to be slightly barbaric (f sharp minor, d minor, D major). Op.33 is very approachable.

If i was to pick a few i'd do op.33 c minor, C major, c sharp minor and op.39 c minor (it's not as terrifying as it sounds).

Op.33 d minor is fairly demanding for note density, E flat is not easy, f minor has some demanding leaps at the end of it and e flat minor is very extremely pianistic.

To me anyway, i find both sets to have some of Rachmaninov's most inspired piano music.