etudes

[dongsang153]

i want to start learning etudes for my technique.  what is something that i can start on?  thanks.  i'm learning the arabesque 1 by debussy, and that's pretty doable.  i just need to speed up. 

[richard w]

Burgmuller wrote Twelve Brilliant and Melodic Studies which I think are quite acceptable as pieces of music, yet much less demanding than Chopin's etudes. If you are at the top of your ability with the Arabesque then they would certainly represent a way for you to move forward. But, you might find it more satisfying, musically, to stick to 'pieces' rather than etudes - etudes are by no means compulsory. That said, have a look two or three from the Twelve and I think you will do yourself no harm.



Richard.

[sznitzeln]

Hm, maybe Rachmaninov C sharp minor prelude?
I think this piece demands several things that are important in piano technique:
Fast chords/changes of position -> You have to be loose and use your body, there is no way doing this with just fingers
Melody on fifth finger on black keys -> Good for strength in 5th finger and polyphony
Chords with many parts...
Its also profound and beautiful.

I havent played 1st arabesque, so I am not sure if this one is more or less difficult.

Cheers,
Jacob

[SteinwayTony]

Heller's etudes are nice and easy.  And at least they try to sound like real music.

[anda]

Goedicke's etudes are also very nice, and not that difficult either.