What To Choose? (Ballade No. 1 vs Heroic Polonaise)

[patronus]

    So I've recently finished Chopin's Ballades 2 & 3 and personally I think I really like them. Judging by my own eyes and ears I don't think I'm technically ready for 4 quite yet, and my piano instructor thinks so as well. He personally seems to want to edge me towards trying the first ballade, which I am also very fond of, but I've also wanted to try the Heroic Polonaise for quite a long time. Both seem like difficult pieces but not out-of-the world, both are drastically different in style, and now I'm stuck on choosing between these two.

In terms of abilities, aside from those Ballades I mentioned I've also done Chopin's Etudes 10-3 and 10-12, and I hope to tackle both 25-5 and 25-11 (two of my favorites) quite soon.

   I really do like expressionistic pieces, and that's the reason why I enjoy playing Chopin so much. So from a technical standpoint and an expression one, which one is more fitting for me?


(By The Way: My piano instructor does not believe in piano competitions so that's not a problem at all for me)

[keymasher]

I'd suggest the Heroic Polonaise.  Your technique will likely be well served working through those descending E Major scales in octaves.  Also, from the pieces you mentioned, I can't think of anything that would have developed your wrist technique similarly, so it might be a good fit.

That, and I'm going to be a hater, I'm kind of sick of the first ballade, so I'm already prejudiced against it.  But of course, I'm just some hack in front of keyboard, so listen to your teacher, and best of luck on either one you choose!  They're both great pieces and either will be an excellent addition to your repertoire.