Étude Op. 10, No. 8 (Chopin)
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Étude Op. 10, No. 8 in F major, nicknamed "Sunshine" is a technical study composed by Frédéric Chopin. This work follows on from No.7 as being primarily another work concerned with counterpoint. In this case, however, the principal melody is in the left hand, the secondary being embedded in the arpeggios/scales of the right hand. As with all the études, the work is divided into three sections – bars 1-28, 29-60 and 61-95 and you should approach this work by learning the first section thoroughly before moving to the middle and final sections of the piece. The right-hand figuration is straightforward with the accent falling always on the first note of each group of four semi-quavers throughout the work. The main difficulty is that they must be played forte legato at speed, ascending and descending sequentially over the keyboard, and must not be in any way smudged. This is not easy, as the sustaining pedal must be used in order to highlight the bass melodic line. Note carefully that the pedal point in each four-bar phrase must be carried over – from the first bar to part way through the second bar, and third bar to part way through the fourth – in each four-bar phrase. (Bars 1-8, 15-22.) Make sure that you practice well the transition in bar 28 for the key-change into D minor.
The central section (bars 29-60) is where the opening figuration starts to get difficult. The D minor lasts only 7 bars before undergoing an extended series of modulations right through to bar 60 – the return to the main theme. Note also that Chopin slips in a further exercise in hands moving in opposite and complementary directions (bars 42-47 and 53-60) – this builds on the exercises in No.4. As with the opening section, the accent always falls on the first note of each group of four semi-quavers. Pay close attention to the pedal points as it is important not to smudge the arpeggios.
The final section (bars 61-95) is a brief restatement of the opening theme with the transition into the coda beginning at bar 71. The coda proper begins at bar 75 and should be played piano legatissimo with almost total absence of pedal until bar 86, where the pedal must be held down until the end of bar 88. You will require a very light touch at this point in order not to blur the right-hand arpeggios, whilst at the same time maintaining the opening tempo (note – no rubato or smorzando). Bar 89 onwards is a simple parallel motion in both hands played forte and leading directly into the final arpeggiated cadences played fortissimo, with pedal being used on the last one.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- The Ultimate Chopin Etudes Discography from Eternal Chopin Etudes Space
- Study Guide, Recordings and Sheet Music from Chopin Music
- Études Op.10 was available at the International Music Score Library Project.
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