From that bar to the close, every group
is a masterpiece.
Remember, this study is a nocturne, and even the accepted
metronomic markings in most editions, 76 to the quarter, are not
too slow; they might even be slower. Allegretto and not a shade
speedier! The color scheme is celestial and the ending a sigh,
not unmixed with happiness. Chopin, sensitive poet, had his
moments of peace, of divine content--lebensruhe. The dizzy
appoggiatura leaps in the last two bars set the seal of
perfection upon this unique composition.
Touching upon the execution, one may say that it is not for small
hands, nor yet for big fists. The former must not believe that
any "arrangements" or simplified versions will ever produce the
aerial effect, the swaying of the tendrils of tone, intended by
Chopin. Very large hands are tempted by their reach to crush the
life out of the study in not arpeggiating it. This I have heard,
and the impression was indescribably brutal. As for fingering,
Mikuli, Von Bulow, Kullak, Riemann and Klindworth all differ, and
from them must most pianists differ.
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