Étude in A-flat major, Op. 10 No. 10

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

• frederic-chopin.com
• repozytorium.nifc.pl

What to listen for

1. 1

   Wide figures establish the opening

   Wide-register figures lead through related responses. Hear the connection across their register changes rather than turning each leap into a new beginning.

2. 2

   Contrasting pitch groups change the colour

   The four-sharp region makes a contrast within the flowing texture. Hear the colour change without treating signature spelling as a hand instruction.

3. 3

   Rising groups thin into a high register

   The four-flat continuation rises through changing groups before thinning higher up. Follow that larger ascent through the moving detail.

4. 4

   A higher recall descends to the close

   Opening-related material returns higher and then descends. Hear how the familiar shape becomes a closing gesture.

How to practise it

Keep the shifting upper pairs distinct from the recurring accompaniment.

1. Practise each single-to-pair connection slowly, then link a larger group.
2. Practise the broken support against the held note before adding the upper pairs.
3. Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.

How hard is it

About this piece

Collection

The study studio

Licence

CC0

Source

musescore.com

More by Frédéric Chopin

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