Gershwin Preludes

[Prophetic]

This is the most common post ever, I realize these posts are common.

Yet, I feel I must make the post ANYWAY.

My teacher wants me to learn the Gershwin Preludes. I don't think I'm at any stage to learn them. I'm in Grade 7 RCM, and she lost her copy so I can't exactly borrow them.

Can I start working on them or are they too hard? Musically, are they too hard for someone at this 'intermediate' level? I'm assuming they are, since it's ... Gershwin.

[steinwayguy]

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,7481.0.html

Yes, for God's sakes, learn them.

[Prophetic]

That thread wasn't much use to me since I don't actually know much about them so I can't gather much from people saying that the last page of the Third Prelude is hard. There's no approximate level or suggestions? Not to seem unthankful or anything.

[nicko124]

That thread wasn't much use to me since I don't actually know much about them so I can't gather much from people saying that the last page of the Third Prelude is hard. There's no approximate level or suggestions? Not to seem unthankful or anything.

I will try and help you as much as i can because i am learning them also and my teacher (who studied them at University) has helped me.
You said you don't 'know much about them', do you know anything about them? Have you heard them?

If not than the link below has links to pages where you can download them for free:-

https://www.classiccat.net/gershwin_g/3p.htm

WARNING: The prelude 1 mp3 is a duet that is on offer and is a little different than the actual solo. (the themes are repeated higher up for the duet) You should be able to notice from the sheet music how it is different.

The recording for the third prelude is not great quality but those are the only free mp3s on offer that i can find.

Listen to them and tell me what you think.



I, like you am Grade 7 yet i can play things beyond grade 8 such as Liszt - Un sospiro. Therefore i don't know your capability to play difficult pieces but 1 and 3 are set to Grade 7, 2 is much easier than both of them but the stretches can be difficult if you have small hands.

For the other thread that you didn't find useful it probably wasn't appropriate if you haven't heard them. I have my teacher who helps me and i have heard them all many times so the thread is appropriate for me. I only really want constructive advice not how to play them full stop.