Chopin Ballade G Minor Measures 119-123

[jim19130]

Hi. New to the forum.  I'm an advanced amateur and study with a teacher at Curtis.  I'm working on the Ballade  and want to make progress on the octaves at 119-123 before my next lesson.  Looking ultimately for the most efficient way to gain speed in this passage. 

I've researched and watched on Youtube and see various suggested fingerings.  I've settled on using the third right finger for some of the octaves.  I'm particularly interested in suggestions for measure 119.   

Using the right thumb of course on the bottom, for the top I'm thinking starting the F# turn with 4, then beginning on the E# octave through to measure 120 using fingers 5 3 4 5 5 4 5 4 3.  This "rolls" the hand at the end of the octaves a bit.  Alternatively the last two octaves using 5 4.   

I would appreciate thoughts.

[anacrusis]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

For 119, I use 4 on the turn like you and the scale is pretty similar except the end:
53 455345 4

For 121, I use the same fingering as you

For 123, I again do the same as you except at the end: 5345 345534 5

I think fingering choice for this has a lot to do with hand structure and personal preference. I feel it's easier to play the octaves fast for me with the fingerings I have chosen, but you need a relaxed hand and efficient movements to succeed.

[jim19130]

Thank you!  Your post is very helpful.  I had considered repeating a 3 4 5 pattern at the end of 119.  Given that you suggested it, I will try it again.  It has a certain consistency to repeat the same "3 4 5" pattern there and in 123.   

You are also correct that speed will only come with efficient fingering and a relaxed hand. Watching Horowitz play this is daunting.

[anacrusis]

Actually, I realized that at the start of 119 I nowadays use 54 345345 4 so you can try that out as well if you like 

[jim19130]

I just tried that. Doesn't work as well for me going from 4 (F#) to 3 (G#).  Requires a "hop" that to me is a bit more inefficient.  I'm working with your first suggestion. Thanks!