In September I will have an important exam and I will have to perform three pieces. I have already chosen two: Debussy's Claire de Lune and Chopin's Grand Valse Brillante Op. 34 No. 2. I need help choosing the third piece, because I would like to perform something more lively and virtuosic that isn't a Chopin waltz or other pieces by Debussy or Schubert improvisations. Something that is also more difficult than the previous two pieces but not too much
If you decide to tackle this piece, I will leave you some notes having studied it deeply over the years.
It is a piece that was taken in the eighth year of the old system and one that I also took for my eighth-year exam, which is why I know it very well.
The name berceuse (sometimes also accompanied by the suffix "Cradle Song or Lullaby", meaning lullaby) are names devised by the publisher. The name attributed by Chopin to this piece was "Variations".
Playing it like a lullaby is therefore an incorrect way to interpret the piece. One is often inclined to interpret Chopin with extreme romanticism. Chopin's romanticism is never too heartfelt; it is always very measured, especially in the rubato.
Take the right breaths at the beginning and end of each variation; it is not a mere technical exercise, no one is chasing after you, and you have all the time to start and reflect on the new variation every time it presents itself.
In the chords, always bring out the cantabile note which is very clear and sharp, returning each time to the initial theme which represents a sort of summary of what will happen within the piece.
The berceuse is a piece of great effect and is not difficult at all once the mechanisms of each variation are understood. It is certainly considered a more difficult piece than both Claire de Lune and the Waltz op. 34 no. 2, but it will not take you more than a few weeks to study the notes.
If you decide to tackle this piece, I will leave you some notes having studied it deeply over the years.
It is a piece that was taken in the eighth year of the old system and one that I also performed for my eighth-year exam, which is why I know it very well.
The name berceuse (sometimes also accompanied by the suffix "Cradle Song or Lullaby", meaning lullaby) are names devised by the publisher. The name attributed by Chopin to this piece was "Variations".
Playing it as a lullaby is therefore an incorrect way to interpret the piece. One is often inclined to interpret Chopin with extreme romanticism. Chopin's romanticism is never too heartfelt; it is always very measured, especially in the rubato.
Take the right breaths at the beginning and end of each variation; it is not a mere technical exercise, no one is chasing after you, and you have all the time to start and reflect on the new variation every time it presents itself.
In the chords, always bring out the cantabile note which is very clear and sharp, returning each time to the initial theme which represents a sort of summary of what will happen within the piece.
The berceuse is a piece of great effect and is not difficult at all once the mechanisms of each variation are understood. It is certainly considered a more difficult piece than both Claire de Lune and Waltz op. 34 no. 2, but it won't take you more than a few weeks to study the notes.
Thank you for the reply; if you have time, could you explain the rhythm of Chopin's Etude Op. 25 No. 2, which I am having a bit of difficulty with? Please.
