Chopin etude op 25. #11

[nastassja]

Hi everybody !

I just started working on Chopin's etude op. 25 #11, and I am wondering whether the sixteenth notes on the left hand could actually be synchronized with those played with the right hand (for example, at measure 5, the Am chord could be played together with the E on the right hand), or not?
I suppose it should be played 6 against 4, but since I am currently working on polyrhythms and I find them annoying to play (I know I shouldn't be saying that or tackling such pieces if I am still at war with polyrythms but anyways), I was wondering whether it would be acceptable to play them together, given the actual speed of the piece... in the same time, it would be a shame to learn it incorrectly and try to fix it later, so I don't know what to do.
Thanks a lot!

[debussychopin]

It is supposed to be played halfway through the second triplet set of right hand so you play it before that E however you should be going slow enough to delineate this out accurately then speed up. If you're confusing it and thus trying to compromise you either are not practicing it correctly or shouldn't attempt this piece as that 'problem' reoccurs multiple times in later pages And there are similar ones where it isn't called for it and you do actually play the note and chord together you have to study the rhythms worked out carefully.
At blazing speeds still one can hear the timing of the hands either correctly or incorrectly done especially one who is very familiar w the piece. So you have to work that part correctly now. If that is tempting you to take a short corner in this piece im afraid to say there will be much other aspects in the piece that you may also be tempted to compromise on as you try to progress

[nastassja]

Thanks!

Yes, thinking about it now, it is logical that the introductory theme on the right hand would be played as a sixteenth note and not anything shorter, despite the speed it would still be obvious... let us not destroy this leitmotiv   I just remembered I had heard someone say that it did not really matter, but I guess some people play it naturally on the beat without having to think about it. Hopefully it will be my case some day!

[chopinlover01]

I wouldn't worry about it. You don't have to play the 6:4 exactly, especially since that'll usually leave the LH chord coming in late, which kills the momentum of the piece.