Chopin Etude Op.25 No.6 Tutorial - Paul Barton, piano

Tutorial on Etude Op.25 No.6, double third practice, related pieces and scales. Webpage with free score downloads featured in this video. http://web.me.com/imagethai/256
Full performance in video reply or: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOC4KYsrXBk

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Chopin
• Etude
• Op.25
• No.6
• tutorial
• double
• third
• scales
• study
• piano
• Paul
• Barton
• Thailand

[AcePro]

Question: It looks like you use 13 24 at the beginning for the trills. What's weird is every version of the score I've seen, including the one you show, has either 13 25 or 14 25 for the fingerings, but most pianists (including valentina lisista) seem to use 13 24 at the beginning. Should I practice whats in the score or just use 13 24, which seems to feel a bit easier to do?

[PaulBartonPiano]

@AcePro - a pianist I know that plays this study can only do the opening trills with 14-25. I find 13-24 very comfortable (and also logical) but I've tried out 14-25, it feels good too but doesn't seem as logical to me. If Valentina Lisista uses 13 24 I'd buy that one!

[jbj29ca]

Paul - In the upward chromatic runs, I slowed down your video and noticed you aren't playing all the notes. Do you believe in the trade off in difficulty is worth it, since no one can really tell?

To everyone else reading comments - this guy keeps deleting this question of mine. I find it rather hilarious.

[PaulBartonPiano]

@jbj29ca -- The morning I was working on this tutorial, my wife Khwan asked me to bend a metal rod in a 'U'  so she could start a sculpture. I did this for her but slightly strained my thumb. This happens quite a lot to my hands, especially my right thumb (I am a professional sculptor) It's as simple as that. When my piano arrives in April I will re-record it, along with all the Chopin Etudes.

[zegerb]

Really nice videos you're making! I've been wanting to learn this beutiful piece for some time but have got really scared by its technical aspects. When you practice the different scales in thirds, what are your thoughts in terms of legato? Hope it's not a too odd question. I just want to know how to practice it. Thankyou very much!

[PaulBartonPiano]

@zegerb -- I know what you mean about double thirds seeming scary, but you know, they aren't really. This piece is a musical double third scale that starts and ends on different notes just like a single note chromatic scale. As there's just 12 semitones the scale is quick to learn slowly. If you practice it regularly each day, you'll speed up smoothly in legato before you know it -- it actually feels fun to play.  Roughly speaking, 12 semitones = a big chunk of the piece. Go for it :)

[Musicaespressivo]

Another possible fingering for the opening, which you did not mention, but which I use (and Stephen Hough uses) is 24/15, with the thumb-the shorter digit-on the black keys and the hand in a curled in position. It is helpful in overcoming nerves, which are easy to get in that exposed opening, It is not for everyone, but I would suggest that everyone try it!

[kuifjenoe]

Hi Paul, thanks a lot for your tutorials, they are great!

I'm having trouble with the double trills, when i play them quickly, my fingers get out of synch (and become more of a gallop instead of a trot). Generally it's advised to make a rotary motion with the forearm but i have no idea how to do that with these trills. The best i can manage is a sort of back and forth movement with my hand. Also you seem to hold your hand still and just use your fingers, Is that how you do it? Thanks!

[anonymousQ45]

its interesting to find that Chopin recreated these etudes from something earlier. i always thought they were completely original in form and technique

[jdbrown371]

I'm working on the Debussy study in thirds. I worked so hard finding a good fingering and tried so many possibilities (there are many). Can't say I'll ever be able to play the Chopin study in thirds to any satisfactory degree (I've studied it at least three times over the years) but what you have here is generally helpful. I use (13) (25) for the opening thirds. Can't use (13) (24). I also slide my second finger from black keys to white. Chopin is too hard. I'll stick to Debussy & Ligeti.

[ProkofievRules]

This tutorials are really helpful. Keep them up!

Have you considered doing any non-chopin tutorials? Ie. the Rachmaninoff ones? It'd be interesting just to hear your insights on the pieces, as much as it would be helpful to get practice hints.

Thanks again!