Learning Chopin's "Valse Brillante" in 2 Months

[brahmsadvocate]

I have an upcoming recital in June and have just chosen to play Chopin's Grand Valse Brilliant.

The piece that I was originally going to play was Schubert's Impromptu Op. 90 No. 4 in A-flat major, but I came to the conclusion that I would not be able to learn all 10 pages in time.

Although the waltz is no easier, I am more drawn to it, and therefore, believe I will put in more time and effort to learn and polish the piece in 2 months.

I am an 18 year old piano student in grade 8, but I often play pieces from grade 10.

Any tips or suggestions would be lovely!

[dizzyfingers]

Tip:  start the memorization process immediately - - this helps me get a piece performance ready faster.  Also, while still practicing slowly and carefully, be aggressive about upping the tempo, going back and forth between slower and faster tempi frequently.

[brahmsadvocate]

This all makes sense. But what do you mean "start the memorization process immediately"?
I feel like the memorization just comes naturally?

[dizzyfingers]

This all makes sense. But what do you mean "start the memorization process immediately"?
I feel like the memorization just comes naturally?

Yes, it comes naturally with repetition, quicker for some than others.  You can also make memorization a task, it's done by analyzing the piece - harmonically, structurally, themes/motifs.  Ask your teacher about it.

[quantum]

I feel like the memorization just comes naturally?

Indeed.  Spending time understanding compositional architecture, how sections of the piece are organized and assembled to make the whole, repetitive patterns in rhythm, harmony and melodic line.  All of this aids in memorization.  Do the appropriate steps to understand the composition, and most of the memorization will be done under the auspices of that process.  If you know where you are going you will get to the destination much more efficiently as opposed to wandering around haphazardly under the false pretense of serendipity in hopes that you will get there eventually. 

As for tempo, that can be streamlined to only required two settings: practice tempo and performance tempo.  There is no explicit need for a gradual speed up.  You can do a compositional analysis at the keyboard at performance tempo.  In essence you will be training yourself to think at performance tempo from the very start.  What remains is to learn the physical aspects of playing the piece, and bring that in line to your cognitive understanding of the music. 

Gain enough experience efficient learning techniques, and you will develop the ability to sight read at tempo.  Orchestral and choral musicians tend to develop this ability much earlier than pianists.  Unfortunately, for pianists, ensemble playing is not emphasized enough in the earlier years of study. 

Be methodical and regimented, you can do this. 

[quantum]

Some good tips on how to approach learning this here

[lelle]

Start with the hardest parts first! How's your progress?