Truecam,I completely agree. There are wonderful self-taught pianists with excellent technique, tone, and musicality. I probably should have phrased my upper response more clearly: I’m not saying the Ballade is impossible, just improbable. Anything can be played to perfection if you grind at it long enough, even Feux Follets. But the amount of time it takes to get there can differ depending on if one has mastered the steps it takes to get there. My piece recommendations still stand as a stepping stone to reaching a height like Ballade no. 1, but (I agree with you,) any piece can be mastered if you are willing to put the necessary work in.