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Romantic · etude

Étude in E-flat minor, Op. 10 No. 6

Frédéric Chopin · Level 7, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A study in the set dedicated to Liszt. Étude in E-flat minor, Op. 10 No. 6 is an etude by Frédéric Chopin from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.

On this page
  • etude
  • Romantic
  • gentle

Also known as Frédéric Chopin: Étude in E-flat minor Op. 10 No. 6 Lament.

History

The Paris Chopin Society places the twelve-study Op. 10 collection between 1829 to 1832 and records its first publication in 1833. A later Richault print, catalogued around 1860, names Franz Liszt as the set's dedicatee. The collection range does not give each study an independent completion year.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. Held melody above moving detail

    The sustained opening contour sounds above moving accompanying notes. Keep the held line in focus as the smaller notes change underneath.

  2. The continuation grows stronger

    The continuation increases its force. Hear that growth across the phrase rather than giving every new note a separate emphasis.

  3. Familiar colour returns and eases

    The original written signature returns as stronger motion begins to ease. Listen to the change of colour and energy without assigning a new formal label.

  4. Sustained sound makes a soft close

    The ending relies on longer sounds and softening motion. Hear the remaining voices through the final release.

How to practise it

Let the sustained melody float above moving inner notes.

  1. Practise the melody with no new attack at its tie continuations.
  2. Hold the bass while practising the inner notes at a quiet even volume.
  3. Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.

How hard is it

Level 7, estimated

A tied upper melody is layered with continuous lower sixteenth notes and a sustained bass voice. Maintaining long tones and distinguishing moving inner material require control beyond the surface tempo.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Frédéric Chopin, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Collection
The study studio
Licence
CC0
Source
musescore.com

More by Frédéric Chopin

  1. Prelude in A major, Op. 28 No. 7Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
  2. Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9 No. 2Level 7, estimatedWith Maestro
  3. Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52Level 10, estimatedWith Maestro

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Let the sustained melody float above moving inner notes.

Practise it in PlayPiano