Chopin Ballade No.2

[thechopinsyndrome]

 I have a question about Chopin ballade no.2. I am trying to work out the best fingerings for the Presto con fuoco part. At the moment for measure 47 in the right hand, I use the following fingerings: 5/4, 3, 2, 1, 5/4, 3, 2, 1 and so on. But I also have a different fingering: 5/3, 2, 1, 2, 5/3, 2, 1, 2. Which do you think would work better?

[dizzyfingers]

The first is the standard fingering. It works well for me.
Does it work for you? Do you have small hands?
Keep in mind - at tempo you're getting of the key very quickly, it's not as legato as you might think it is from slow practice...

[thechopinsyndrome]

They both work well for me. I just feel like 5/3 is more stable.

[dizzyfingers]

I understand where you're coming from.
5/4 will grow in stability the more you use it. Is very stable for me.
By the time you've completed working on this piece, 5/4 will be much more stable than it is now.
 

[lelle]

5/3 may feel more stable but 5/3, 2, 1, 2 is just not going to work at any kind of fast tempo!

[thechopinsyndrome]

This is a video of Annique Göttler playing the ballade, where she uses 5/3.

[dizzyfingers]

This is a video of Annique Göttler playing the ballade, where she uses 5/3.

I wonder if she has small hands. They look a bit small.

Since you're so interested in these two fingering options, why don't you write to Annique, ask why she chose that fingering over the standard?
{ info@annique-piano.com  }
Let us know what she says!
best,

[lelle]

This is a video of Annique Göttler playing the ballade, where she uses 5/3.

Well I guess I have to eat my words. I checked in slow motion and she is indeed using 5/3 2 1 2 haha.