What classical piano pieces do you practice to improve your technique?

[jeffreestar]

Hello,
I am currently looking to improve my finger technique and flexibility on the keyboard, but I still want to choose pieces with beautiful melodies to practice and enjoy the music.
I have tried:
Some Chopin Études (Op.10 No.3 and Op.25 No.9).
Debussy's "Arabesque No. 1" to practice light hand and legato.
Some short pieces by Schumann in Kinderszenen.
I would like to ask the community:
Apart from the above, what pieces do you usually practice to develop your technique but still be rich in musicality?
Are there any recommendations for books or Études collections suitable for intermediate to advanced players?
Any tips for practicing without straining your hands when playing fast passages?
Looking forward to receiving valuable comments and experiences from everyone. Thanks in advance for sharing!

[bach-busoni chaconne]

Hello,
     This may be an unpopular opinion, but if you are looking for etudes to improve finger technique, I actually think it is a good idea to start SLOW practice of harder Chopin etudes such as Op.10 No.2 (to develop 3, 4, 5 finger strength + independence) and Op.25 No.11 (to develop RH stamina) rather early (not sure about your exact level). Although they might not have the most beautiful melodies, practicing them can improve your technique greatly and if you suddenly come across a beautiful piece you love in the future that is technically challenging, then doing pieces like these can prepare for them.
     That being said, the most important thing to keep in mind if you do decide to approach etudes like the ones I listed, if you are not at the level yet, just do maybe a few BROKEN-UP (i.e. with long resting periods in between; very important to prevent injury) 15 minute sessions of SLOW (very important if your level is slightly lower) practice.

Wish you all the best for your piano journey!

[psipsi8]

Ha ha, in keeping with your screen name, why don't you play some Bach? I found that after playing exclusively Bach after restarting playing the piano after a long absence, it was a piece of cake to play Chopin. For a number of reasons I suppose: the scales, rhythm, frequent modulation. It may not seem like there's any connection but there is.

[jonathannyc]

Ha ha, in keeping with your screen name, why don't you play some Bach? I found that after playing exclusively Bach, after restarting playing the piano after a long absence, it was a piece of cake to play Chopin. For a number of reasons I suppose: the scales, rhythm, frequent modulation. It may not seem like there's any connection but there is.

We read that before stepping before an audience to perform (what few recitals he gave), Chopin would practice Bach, and one of Chopin's students asked him how he had memorized hours of Bach's music. Chopin replied, (approx) "Once you have heard such music, how could you ever forget it?"

[jonathannyc]

This may be an unpopular opinion, but if you are looking for etudes to improve finger technique, I actually think it is a good idea to start SLOW practice of harder Chopin etudes...

Not unpopular with me - your advice is right on the money in all regards. There is great value in 'laying down the foundation' of substantial works with very slow, methodical practice. Building up those basic neurological relays takes years, so why not invest effort in those miraculous Chopin etudes? We return to those masterpieces throughout our lives, and only become stronger and more secure with each passing year.
______________________
https://www.bakerpianolessons.com/

[dizzyfingers]

Hello,
I am currently looking to improve my finger technique and flexibility on the keyboard, but I still want to choose pieces with beautiful melodies to practice and enjoy the music.
I have tried:
Some Chopin Études (Op.10 No.3 and Op.25 No.9).
Debussy's "Arabesque No. 1" to practice light hand and legato.
Some short pieces by Schumann in Kinderszenen.
I would like to ask the community:
Apart from the above, what pieces do you usually practice to develop your technique but still be rich in musicality?
Are there any recommendations for books or Études collections suitable for intermediate to advanced players?
Any tips for practicing without straining your hands when playing fast passages?
Looking forward to receiving valuable comments and experiences from everyone. Thanks in advance for sharing!

Personally I enjoy working on Czerny studies from time to time.  The musicality is not immediately apparent, but it's there when the tempo gets faster.  Compared to Chopin Czerny studies are rather melodically and harmonically impoverished, so the pianist has to find other ways to bring them to life - that's done with touch, dynamics, rhythm, and musical line.

If you're looking to develop an advanced technique and you skip Czerny, it'll probably take longer.

Look at what this young pianist accomplishes with a Czerny study: