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Romantic · etude

Étude in F major, Op. 25 No. 3

Frédéric Chopin · Level 8, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A study in the set dedicated to Marie d'Agoult. Étude in F major, Op. 25 No. 3 is an etude by Frédéric Chopin from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.

On this page
  • etude
  • Romantic
  • playful

Also known as Frédéric Chopin: Étude in F major, Op. 25 No. 3, "The Horseman".

History

The Paris Chopin Society places the twelve-study Op. 25 collection between 1832 to 1836 and records its first publication in 1837. A later Richault print, catalogued around 1860, names Marie de Flavigny d'Agoult as the set's dedicatee. The collection range does not give each study an independent completion year.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. Paired figures receive related answers

    The opening uses paired figures and related responses after its pickup. Hear their relationship instead of making each pair a disconnected accent.

  2. Changing groups descend across registers

    Pitch groups change as the continuation descends. Follow the longer downward route through the smaller moving figures.

  3. The opening shape returns in writing

    Opening-related figures come back after the contrasting passage. Recognise the contour while listening to its renewed support.

  4. Repeated figures find a low final response

    Repeated closing figures lead into a low-register response. Hear that lower arrival as the completion of the preceding movement.

How to practise it

Keep the long-short melody distinct from the surrounding patterns.

  1. Practise the upper pairs on one pitch before restoring their contour.
  2. Practise each support pattern separately, then combine two layers before adding the melody.
  3. Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.

How hard is it

Level 8, estimated

Lively repeated gestures and coordinated shifts require elastic rhythm, controlled accents and relaxed movement.

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

Keep the long-short melody distinct from the surrounding patterns.

Practise it in PlayPiano