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Topic: Tension in Chopin etude (Read 1606 times)

billybraga

PS Silver Member
Newbie
Posts: 16

Hey, im currently practicing my first chopin etude (op 25 no 9), and ive memorized the 10 first measures in a couple of hours, but im struggling with high tension in my right arm, even if i do with 25% speed. I can easily reach all the octaves and alternate both of them with precision, but after some time practicing, my right arm gets harder and harder. Any advices to overcome this impasse on this piece?

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themeandvariation

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 861

Re: Tension in Chopin etude

Reply #1 on: February 17, 2021, 05:21:14 PM

Playing successive octaves can tire the arm/wrist. This is especially true if an octave reach
is nearing your 'span of the hand' limit. 2 things: Even with the extended hand, it is important to feel 'loose' /supple in the wrist/arm/shoulder and even the neck, somewhat.
Practice at a speed that allows you to feel the movement this way. Otherwise, you are drilling in the wrong approach. Play somewhat quietly, mp, to reduce the possibility of tension. AND make sure that on the successive octaves that the fingering is alternated
between the 4th (good for flats) and 5th finger as much as possible. This last sentence is very important if you are not already doing it.
Let us know how it goes.

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4'33"

anacrusis

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 814

Re: Tension in Chopin etude

Reply #2 on: February 17, 2021, 09:12:14 PM

Quote from: themeandvariation on February 17, 2021, 05:21:14 PM

Playing successive octaves can tire the arm/wrist. This is especially true if an octave reach
is nearing your 'span of the hand' limit. 2 things: Even with the extended hand, it is important to feel 'loose' /supple in the wrist/arm/shoulder and even the neck, somewhat.
Practice at a speed that allows you to feel the movement this way. Otherwise, you are drilling in the wrong approach. Play somewhat quietly, mp, to reduce the possibility of tension. AND make sure that on the successive octaves that the fingering is alternated
between the 4th (good for flats) and 5th finger as much as possible. This last sentence is very important if you are not already doing it.
Let us know how it goes.

I agree. Keep in mind that a hard forearm means a tense hand, because the muscles that control the hand/fingers are in the forearm. If you are tensing your hand your forearm will get tight. So you need a very supple hand while playing this, or any Chopin Etude, really.

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