Scherzo 2 effing me over rn

[aeolianharp]

So the Scherzo 2 (probably don't need to say the composer:)) is giving me issues. All of it is really not a problem except for this one page: Bars 552-572 are giving me sh*t. Which is a shame because everything else will be fine in about 4 weeks when I perform it but that part doesn't work past about 130 BPM. Maybe people have tips?

Tx

[dizzyfingers]

delete

[dizzyfingers]

I understand 100%, I had the exact some experience with this piece about a couple years ago, there's something very strange about those bars.
TBH I think Chopin hit a compositional wall in how to wrap up this huge tidal wave of a development, and composed something that just doesn't feel right, and it catches the performer by surprise - to have to put the brakes on in this way.
Eventually I got it down but not sure I can explain how except
a)  you've got to memorize it, which means
b)  you've got to analyze it and understand how it's structured
c)  there are some technical hand maneuvers in this section which are novel for this piece, and any Chopin piece I've played, so hopefully you have a teacher who has played this and has mastered it and can show you how and explain how/why

[essence]

you are not alone. Moisewitch butchers it in this recording: he butchers other places too. May have had a bad day. Other studio recordings are superb.

Don;t most pianists take this section slightly slower anyway?

[essence]

in contrast, this is superb, been with me for over 60 years. My goto.

[aeolianharp]

Yeah ok makes me feel a bit better