Product Description
This collection (with 100 pages of score) is a reimagining of the eight "most right-hand intensive" Etudes from among the twenty-four Etudes of Opus 10 and 25 by Chopin. These eight Etudes are presented in exact chromatic mirror inversion relative to the originals. The purpose of this is to provide pianists with technical studies for the left hand that are equal, physically, in every way to that which Chopin provided for the right hand. The eight Etudes included are Op. 10, Nos. 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8, and Op. 25, Nos. 2, 6 and 11. The two hands switch roles in all the pieces, and the resulting harmonies are both surprising and intriguing. One could describe the effect of the inversions on the harmonies as "pan-modal" or "post-impressionist, quasi-tonal" music. Minor chords become major and vice versa, half-diminished 7ths become dominant 7ths and vice versa and so on. The idea of practicing right hand parts in the left hand in inversion has been recommended by internationally renowned pianists. This collection also includes an appendix with four of the eight Etudes in which the right hand plays its normal part while the left hand plays the same part in inversion. The point of this is to support and speed up the learning process of the left hand. The attached mp3 audio file is a compilation of excerpts from all eight Etudes, although Op. 25, Nos. 2 and 11, are given in their entirety. The audio was created using Finale music software, and the sound font is that of a Steinway D grand piano. Other arrangements and compositions by Christopher Kies may be found at christopherkies.com
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