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Romantic · etude

Etüde c-moll

Frédéric Chopin · Level 9, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A study in the set dedicated to Liszt. Etüde c-moll is an etude by Frédéric Chopin from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 9, an estimate.

On this page
  • etude
  • Romantic
  • grand
  • stormy
  • arpeggios

Also known as Op. 10 No. 12.

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. A chord and a rushing answer

    An accented upper chord is followed by a descending run in the lower part, then a short upper chord gesture. Hear the contrast between held sound and rapid motion instead of treating every note as equally emphatic.

  2. The descent spreads across the texture

    The rapid descending figure now appears in both notated parts, and the upper voice moves onto the lower staff. Keep the shared pattern coordinated; the staff change is not proof that one hand takes over every note.

  3. Make space for the theme

    The lower part turns to an arpeggiated C-minor pattern while the upper part leaves space before its octave pickup. Keep the flowing part even so the new upper gesture can enter clearly.

  4. A broad line over fast notes

    Long upper octaves and chords contrast with the continuing lower motion. Let the upper phrase remain broad while the rapid notes stay controlled underneath it.

How to practise it

Keep the lower run organised beneath sparse upper chords.

  1. Practise the lower descent in small overlapping groups from its initial rest.
  2. Practise the upper chord duration and release alone, then retain them over the lower figure.
  3. Connect the stated opening gestures at a comfortable tempo, keeping their distinct releases.

How hard is it

Level 9, estimated

The proposed advanced-to-concert target values clarity and endurance through the complete study, with the musical line remaining audible amid active texture.

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
Public Domain
Source
mutopiaproject.org

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

Keep the lower run organised beneath sparse upper chords.

Practise it in PlayPiano