What do you learn by studying and playing Chopin's Etude op 10 no 3 "Tristesse"?

[faa2010]

Hi,

I am learning Chopin's Etude op 10 no 3 since September (or July, I just can't remember when I began because I was also keeping for October Chopin's Nocturne op 48 no 1 and I have been learning other pieces)

Currently I have all the piece read, but in a slow tempo (80 bpm per sixteenth) and with some stumbles with certain intervals (the sixth ones) and some parts if I lose my focus and train of though. Also not everything is in memory although I can do it if I focus more in that aspect.

I like this piece, this is my first Etude of Chopin I am learning, after many years of playing just Preludes, Waltzes and Nocturnes, which I love as well, but I wanted to play something different from Chopin besides those music forms and styles.

However, there is something that I think I am missing in order to advance in this Etude: the reason Chopin created this Etude: what can I learn and improve as a pianist if I am studying it?, what is the goal for learning this etude?, how can I reach it?

Thanks for your answers and advice beforehand.

[lelle]

Off the top of my head:
- Polyphonic playing and double notes are the main things investigated in this etude
- Regarding polyphonic playing: playing a melody beautifully and legato while playing an accompanying voice softly in the same hand
- Double notes - the middle section is not easy, which you'll notice as you play faster. It can be quite straining if you aren't relaxed and coordinated. As usual with these etudes, Chopin asks you to develop suppleness to play it comfortably.

[stringoverstrung]

Hi,

I am learning Chopin's Etude op 10 no 3 since September

Currently I have all the piece read, but in a slow tempo (80 bpm per sixteenth) and with some stumbles with certain intervals (the sixth ones) and some parts if I lose my focus and train of though. Also not everything is in memory although I can do it if I focus more in that aspect.


However, there is something that I think I am missing in order to advance in this Etude: the reason Chopin created this Etude: what can I learn and improve as a pianist if I am studying it?, what is the goal for learning this etude?, how can I reach it?

If you are studying without a teacher, definitely try the Cortot Edition: it explains the difficulties, what to aim for and preparatory exercises to get to the goal. (You can find it on IMSLP in public domain if you are not living in the EU.)

You might also try to put it away for a while an learn it again in let`s say 2 months time and treat it as a new piece.

you definitely develop our skills on the pedal, the rubato and the extension of the hand.
What you should especially look for is the amazing mesmerising sound -> listen to yourself.

Regards,
Gert

[faa2010]

Hi,

This is what I have till now of the Étude, I hope I am in the right direction. Sorry about some wrong notes, like I mentioned, it is still in memory process.

Feedback is welcome.

[faa2010]

Here is an update, this time with video so you can watch my hands.

I wish I could post it in Auditions, but it is still not finished yet, it is slow, I need to read, check pianos, fortes, crescendos, diminuendos, etc., and I am still making some mistakes.

Feedback is welcome.

[swede1]

Ok, you learn the whole piece in slow tempo. Maybe try parts in full tempo and polish them and then go on? Too much stretch piece taking months? Maybe tune the piano. I see you are working looking at the sheet a lot, maybe tense. The tips from others above is good. Here is a fine interpretation by Sally.

Paul Barton have some tips on youtube.

My very amateurish ideas, the piece is way above my level, keep it up, fun to se your final interpretation, preferably on youtube, maybe with a nice grand piano. 

[faa2010]

Thanks for the feedback.  Right now, I raised the tempo to 95 bpm per sixteenth. What I want to know currently is if the melody and the polyphonic playing are Right or clear.