Chopin Scherzi

[LVB op.57]

After hearing Yundi Li's recording, I'm inspired to learn a Chopin Scherzo. Which do you think would be the most approachable for someone just finishing Pathetique Sonata and Rachmaninoff's C# Minor Prelude? I know it's very subjective, but I'd like to hear a few opinions on this.  Thanks a lot, guys.

[pianowelsh]

If youve just finished all the leaping around in the Rach prelude you might find no1 or no3 good ones to tackle - Beware no3 unless your 8ves are pretty sound because you'll just discourage yourself otherwise. no1 is good because although it IS very difficult it has a lot of repetitive passagio so once youve cracked it youve cracked it! The middle section based on a polish christmas carol is also very beautiful and you can practice your nice (2nd mvt pathetique) legato here whilst familiarising yourself with the typical Chopin nocture style LH (which is quite awkward in places. The coda will give you some fun. Again listen to the LH here or its easy to fall off! Of course no 2 is really the most famous it has wide ranging technique and develops you all round but is perhaps not quite so extreme in any one area of technique as no 1 or 3. no 4 is very long and although i don't know your level really i wouldn't suggest it as the first one to try.

Good luck!

[SteinwayTony]

After hearing Yundi Li's recording, I'm inspired to learn a Chopin Scherzo.

How unfortunate for you.

I'll rank them easiest to hardest: 1, 2, 3, 4.  The only argument I could see being made against this is the suggestion to reverse the two in the middle.  But, the tinkle-tinkles in the C# minor are little devils to master, especially when you tack on leggiero and pianissimo.

[lenny]

ok, so you bring into question yundi's interpretation?

on what grounds? i enjoy them(i heard a live recording though)

[chromatickler]

on what grounds?

he's a banger

[lenny]

he's a banger

on the piano?

i have never heard an ugly sound come from him, but thats my opinion

he is one of few modern pianists who actually pays EXTRA SPECIAL attention to the beauty of the tone he produces, even if you dont admire his interpretation, you have to concede that his sound is simply beautiful.

[LVB op.57]

oh no no no, i wasn't insulting his interpretation, i was admiring it, and now i'm inspired to learn the pieces.
yes, yundi is quite the chopin and liszt interpreter, and i hope to see some beethoven and bach from him soon. i'm seeing him at carnegie in april    chopin concerto in e minor

[pianowelsh]

4 is definately the hardest! I would say the other three can't be so easily separated out though they all have severe difficulties its a case of where your technical strengths lie. no3 requires a secure 8ve technique no1 sharp fingerwork and the ability to get around the instrument fast! no2 needs pretty good fingerwork and secure leaping ability I wouldnt suggeste 4 until youve played at least one other as its long and has so many various tests it might not be immediately rewarding for you??!

[Hmoll]

4 is in a class by itself. 1 is the easiest. 2 and 3 are about the same difficulty, but for different reasons, and it depends on your octaves (for #3).

They are all somewhat repetitive, so it does not take long to learn them.

[johnnypiano]

Try the B flat minor.  It is easier to bring off than the B minor and there are more interesting passages to learn.