Nocturne in E flat major Chopin

[nasiriii1i]

I recently preformed at Omea solo + ensemble (im a freshmen in highshool)  I played Waltz in a minor (posthumous) by Chopin and got a 1 (superior rating) I want to learn Chopins Nocturne but im struggling with the left hand a little bit, I started my musical journey playing flute so I have a harder time reading bass clef but I can sight read it Fairly well, I wanted to know some tips to help with the left hand as I have to have this piece ready in a few months,  I know his polonaise in A-flat major so this shouldnt be a problem but I would just like some advise.

[bwl_13]

It's a little unclear what you're asking.

I'm guessing that you mean Op. 9 No. 2. It's a fairly standard waltz accompaniment. Again, it would be beneficial to specify which polonaise as well. The posthumous Ab Polonaise doesn't sound necessarily easy, but it's nothing in comparison to the virtuosic Op. 53. If you know the "Heroic" Polonaise, then I don't think I can give you much advice.

I also can't tell what part of the left hand you're having trouble with. If it's the leaps, I suggest first finding a really great fingering, then practicing in a VERY slow tempo, preparing each chord and bass note far in advance so that when you play it in the moderate performance tempo you have maximum control. Additionally, when considering the fingering I'd pay attention to the slurs that connect the chords. They suggest a sort of floating off gesture and even though they'll be pedalled this gesture is very important to the character of the accompaniment.

[brogers70]

I recently preformed at Omea solo + ensemble (im a freshmen in highshool)  I played Waltz in a minor (posthumous) by Chopin and got a 1 (superior rating) I want to learn Chopins Nocturne but im struggling with the left hand a little bit, I started my musical journey playing flute so I have a harder time reading bass clef but I can sight read it Fairly well, I wanted to know some tips to help with the left hand as I have to have this piece ready in a few months,  I know his polonaise in A-flat major so this shouldnt be a problem but I would just like some advise.

Here's a way to practice the left hand. You have a waltz figure - bass note/chord/chord;bass note/chord/chord etc. First, figure out the fingering you'll use for the chords. Then practice the jumps in a couple of ways

1. Play the bass note and then only the lowest note of each of the two following chords; then play the bass note and the only the middle note of each of the two following chords, then the bass note and only the top note of each of the two following chords, then the bass note and only the outermost notes of the next too chords, keep doing every possible combination, always using the fingers you will use when you play all the notes. When you've worked through this in all the combinations you'll really have sorted out where the chords are and how they feel in your hands.

2. Practice individual jumps, from the bass note to the first chord. Play the bass, shift the hand as quickly as possible until it is on the chord, pause a moment to relax, and play the chord. Do the same from the first chord to the second, and then from the second chord to the next bass note, always moving quickly through the jump, but pausing with your hand relaxed on the key(s) before playing.

Do this or a week and the LH will feel much easier.

[mcporter87]

I am a little confused as to why you are struggling with the E Flat Nocturne and asking for advice when you state that you can play the Polonaise in A Flat which is an extremely technical and virtuosic piece of music? Do you mean the Waltz in A Flat?

[bwl_13]

I am a little confused as to why you are struggling with the E Flat Nocturne and asking for advice when you state that you can play the Polonaise in A Flat which is an extremely technical and virtuosic piece of music? Do you mean the Waltz in A Flat?

This confused me as well. I think OP must mean the Waltz because the nocturne is substantially easier than either A Flat Polonaises. I think there's a posthumous one and of course the "Heroic".