Easy original Chopin piece

[djbrak]

I want to start working on a Chopin piece that is at my level.  Currently I have Prelude No.4 in Em under my belt, but I feel the need for more.  I looked at the Waltz in Am KK IVb Nr.10 and doesn't seem too difficult.  Does anyone else know any other pieces that might be the same level?
Thanks,
-Renato

[Antnee]

Hmm... There are many...

Maybe try a nocturne or a mazurka. I Love Chopin's Mazurkas. Pick one you like. There are quite a few to choose from. The same goes for the nocturnes, and they seem like they would be perfect for your level. Maybe try to choose something that is a little more difficult to help you build technique. The waltz would also be fine. If you want more specifics just ask!!

-Tony-

[djbrak]

a little more specific, like when I said thought about the waltz I meant, Waltz in Am KK IVb Nr.10.  I'm pretty sure there are Mazurkas and Nocturnes that are harder than each other, so if you know one that, let's say for example:  You are very experience pianist and have played all mazurkas and nocturnes, which of them would you say is the easiest?
Thanks,
-Renato

[Antnee]

Well, I'm really not so I don't know for certain. But for the Nocturnes here are a couple...

No.2 in Eb, Op.9 No.2-One of his most famous and very charming. Not too hard.

No.19 in E-, Op.72 No.1- Very slow and haunting, but strikingly beautiful.

No.20 in C#-Starts out all solemn-like but developes into an intimate theme. The kind Chopin is famous for.

Not too difficult and they're beautiful as Chopin always is. They seem like the perfect difficulty to put pressure on developing your technique and musicallity. No. 19 is probably the most difficult of the three.

I'll list some more later. Gotta go now though.

-Tony-

[bernhard]

These are the easiest Chopin pieces (ABRSM grades):

Grades 4 – 5

1.      Prelude in E minor, op. 28 no. 4
2.      Prelude in A major, op. 28 no. 7
3.      Prelude in C minor, op. 28 no. 20
4.      Mazurka in C major, op. 7 no. 5
5.      Mazurka in F major, op. posth. 68 no. 3
6.      Mazurka in F minor, op. posth. 68 no. 4
7.      Waltz no. 17 in A minor
8.      Waltz no. 18 in Eb major
9.      Cantabile in Bb major
10.      Feuille d’album

Grade 6

11.      Prelude in B minor, op. 28 no.6
12.      Prelude in E major, op. 28 no. 9
13.      Mazurka in Bb major, op. 7 no. 1
14.      Mazurka in A minor, op. 7 no. 2
15.      Mazurka in E minor, op. 17 no. 2
16.      Mazurka in G minor, op. 24 no. 1
17.      Mazurka in C major, op. 24 no. 2
18.      Mazurka in Ab major, op. 24 no. 3
19.      Mazurka in C minor, op. 30 no. 1
20.      Mazurka in B minor, op. 30 no. 2
21.      Mazurka in G# minor, op. 33 no. 1
22.      Mazurka in C major, op. 33 no. 3
23.      Mazurka in F minor, op. 63 no. 2
24.      Mazurka in G minor, op. posth. 67 no. 2
25.      Mazurka in C major, op. posth. 67 no. 3
26.      Mazurka in A minor, op. posth. 67 no. 4
27.      Mazurka in A minor, op. posth. 68 no. 2
28.      Mazurka in G major no. 50
29.      Mazurka in Bb major no. 51
30.      Polonaise in G minor no. 11
31.      Polonaise in Bb major no. 12
32.      Nocturne in C minor, no. 21
33.      Contradanse
34.      Largo in Eb major

They have all been recorded by Vladimir Ashkenazy on his boxed set of Chopin’s complete solo works for Decca.

Many of them are in the ABRSM collection - Chopin: An introductory album  (no. 39 of the Easier Piano Pieces collection – ABRSM Publishing). If they seem too easy for you, I will send you a more advanced list.

Best wishes,
Bernhard

[djbrak]

Thanks B,
You're always helpful with this stuff.
-Renato

[djbrak]

what were the Opus #'s for the Waltzes?
Thanks,
-Renato

[bernhard]

You are welcome.

what were the Opus #'s for the Waltzes?

The two waltzes without opus numbers (no. 18 in A minor and no. 19 in Eb minor) – as well as the other pieces without opus numbers, well, they have no opus numbers…

They were published posthumously  (in 1955) and were probably never intended for publication anyway. They were discovered amongst Chopin’s papers, and in all probability they were not finished works. (Chopin was famous for fussing over his compositions for a long time, constantly polishing them).

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[comme_le_vent]

the 4th prelude is probably the easiest truly GREAT piece that i know of - it improves your playing greatly too because without having to concentrate on any physical difficulties - you can perfect your tone, pedalling, and most importantly - your emotional expression.