Technique in Chopin Preludes

[nanabush]

--sry if this is already a thread, I searched but couldn't find anything recent specific to what I want to know--

I noticed a while ago but never really though about it that each Chopin prelude has some form of reccuring technique throughout, like an etude.  I don't know why some of these aren't considered etudes, namely B flat minor, E flat major, D minor, G sharp minor...They are long enough and some are harder than some of chopin's etudes.  I know they're called preludes, but I actually think that some of these could be in the repertoire for ARCT for a Concert Etude...just a pointless comment..

[xvimbi]

Not so pointless. Chopin's Preludes, op. 28 were apparently inspired by Bach's 24 Preludes from the WTC. Bach's Preludes are arranged in ascending chromatic order (C major, C minor, C sharp major, etc.), whereas Chopin's are arranged according to the circle of 5th's. Bach's Preludes are in fact excercises/etudes/studies. Chopin probably had something similar in mind. Whatever you call it, they are splendid little gems and would fit any occasion, from ARCT exams to Chopin's funeral itself (No. 4).

[Selim]

You can see too that some etudes could be preludes...like op25N°7(a long prelude a nocturne-like )

I think it is Chopin's wish, he considered those pieces as a group so... Try to go back in the time to ask him more

[jhon]

The Preludes are more MUSICAL than TECHNICAL as compared to the Etudes - which is musical too!  Anyway, maybe the Etudes are BOTH  But as for the Preludes, I believe Chopin compsoed them not necesarilly to highlight specific technique for each.
. 

[C-A]

The 4 hardest preludes:
#8: Syncopation, finger exercise and musicality (Hmmm... how do I bring out the 2 large notes against 6 other notes in notes that are 8 per beat...)
#16: Finger exercise for the RH, accurancy of the left hand, syncopation and independence on both.
#19: Speed and accurancy on both hands and musicality on the RH- the 1st notes of each triplet should be brought out clearly, while the other notes accompany.
#24: Stretching for the left, fast-as-hell up and down scales on the right.

Other prelude techniques
#3: Musicality on the RH, finger exercise on the LH.
#15: Purely a music quality study.
#12: Syncopation, independence and double-notes on the RH, leaps on the LH.
#22: Independence of both hands, left hand endurance and octaves
#23: Arpeggios on the right hand