Chopin Polonaise op. 40 no. 2; Difficulties with bars 19 - 39

[nikolaslund]

I post this, because I for some time have struggled with playing the faster section that constitutes bars 19 to 39 of Chopin's Polonaise op. 40 no. 2. Initially I am able to keep up the tempo, but after reaching the "climax" and continuing beyond it, I find my right hand - more specifically, the 3rd, 4th and 5th finger - incredibly tense. I would also say that I generally have problems playing the section fluently, if that makes sense as a description. So, my question is how I can "repair" these faults, or avoid them. I realise it might be difficult to give concrete advice, given the fact that I have only given a general description of my problem, but anything would be appreciated.

 I would like to add that, when playing other pieces such as the Prelude of Bach's English Suite no. 2, Schubert's Drei Klavierstücke, or Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C charp minor, I run into the same issue, which leads to me not being able to complete the pieces - something quite disheartening.

[lelle]

Are we talking about the main theme with the chords? Or are we talking about the next section where you have 16th notes in the right hand?

In either case it's a general technique issue. Nothing in the standard repertoire you play should tense you up, let alone that much. So a general answer is that the issue is that you have harmful tension in your technique and need to learn to play more efficiently.

I think the best advice I could give you is to find yourself a teacher, preferrably one who has had proven success teaching good technique older students.

Perhaps if you post a video with a clear angle of your arms or hands you could get some pointers from us. But these skills are best taught in person by a good teacher.