Chopin Etudes Boot Camp with Garrick Ohlsson | Ep. 5 The Chopin Podcast

[@nintendianajones64]

Ohlsson disgust while playing Czerny gives me so much life 😂

[@benlawdy]

And it's not even a Czerny exercise, it's Ohlsson's homage to Czerny.

[@zacharytam0411]

can i get a timestamp lmao

[@benlawdy]

@@zacharytam0411 32:07

[@KR-mm4el]

i think disgust towards czerny is pretty mandatory for pianists

[@benlawdy]

@@KR-mm4el yeah we all do it. I mean, it's fun to make fun of the 100 billion opuses he wrote. Having said that, I only have respect for the dude as an influential musical figure - historic teacher and skilled composer (when he dedicated himself to works).

[@vivatmusica]

What a privilege to hear Garrick's insights on the Etudes - this podcast is a gift to all aspiring pianists. To have a Chopin competition winner and great recording artist guide us through these towers of the repertoire is a dream come true.

[@mickizurcher]

A Masterclass. Priceless.

[@Carl_Willis]

This is one of the finest series on KZbin. I love the conversational deep dive into music I grew up listening to, and appreciate the generosity of Garrick Ohlsson with this unique kind of long-form, informal engagement. A real treasure. Thanks to Ben and to whomever helps out with the production.

[@Chopin-Etudes-Cosplay]

These etudes best show how Chopin was so much ahead of everyone else. Most pianists would think they’re impossible even when given the score and fingering - we only know to keep trying because we hear recordings of other humans having done it! But Chopin was coming from a blank slate - he had no precedent of such techniques (the Paganini inspiration doesn’t count because that was violin) and yet he was not only able to know these were possible but also CONCEIVE them in the first place. AND he makes it musical and poetic, AND he does this feat multiple times - basically all 24 are revolutionary. These pieces are such an anomaly in history it’s almost as if Chopin was an alien and is showing us a whole other world he’s explored alone. No wonder that from Chopin’s letters, even Chopin seemed particularly proud of these etudes. I feel that these are maybe the most important works in piano. If humanity were to be wiped out and we had to choose one piano-related thing to pass down to a few survivors, what better candidate than the Chopin etudes to show what is possible both technically and musically?

[@eliehrlich2031]

Honestly agree with everything. I feel like the etudes are ahead of current times even. They are so modern sounding and perfectly teach every technique imaginable in a perfectly musical way. It seems almost impossible that these were thought of and created

[@mickizurcher]

@@eliehrlich2031timeless pinnacles

[@MrInterestingthings]

Yes. Ive always thought when you look at keyboard music where did these kinds of formations come from? Mozart is music.Beethoven is the piano and gawd is he music and he really extends the figuration and hand possibilities. Liszt,Moscheles,Thalberg didnt really add anything. Liszt to be exact did invent some new things but Chopin even in mazurkas and waltzes ,nocturnes everywhere like Bach goes some deep places ...

[@jeff__w]

Great comment! It makes me, someone with next to no classical music background, _really_ appreciate Chopin and these études! These pieces, aside from sounding gorgeous, sound indescribably brilliant and your comment confirms that impression.

[@nickk8416]

These videos are sublime! Each one is a treasure trove of pithy commentary. Ben is the human one acknowledging the difficulties then Garrick in his humble way does the same. I've been challenged by these pieces for many years and listening to this series gives me hope understanding that others have gone through the same struggles. For people that play and love Chopin, this series can't be beat. Thank you!

[@Jolie_sailor]

We are so lucky to be able to tap into these secrets that is being revealed here. Also this whole video feels like a great composition that drives the listener forward. Sublime editing between the recording and Mr. Ohlsson’s funny example at 27:31.

[@bifeldman]

Such a wonderful generous player, teacher, and man.

[@LisztyLiszt]

26:19 This is the highwater mark of these transitions you're so good at, Ben. I can only imagine how long you spent fiddling with this to get it perfect.

[@AdrianTangMusic]

I absolutely adore this series. Love Ohlsson’s priceless input.

[@h.e.hazelhorst9838]

The etudes are just amazing pieces. Most of Chopin’s works are of a supernatural quality, and opus 10 and 25 are certainly among them. I wished I could only have 10% of the virtuosity of Garrick Ohlsson!

[@sebastianalvarez4839]

ben, genuinely in love with this podcast. thank you sm for this experience

[@mickizurcher]

Ditto🩵

[@brozors]

I loved Garrick's reaction to playing Ignaz Friedman's notation of the op. 25 no. 2. Just seems like a genuine "wow" and a whole new light must've shined on him at that moment. The recording of the op. 25 no. 2 that followed that part had some of the best phrasing i've heard from any Chopin etude recording.

[@architektura204]

Chopin's etudes... when played like snowflakes, misty spray, trembling stream, uninterrupted river, murmuring waterfall, turbulent rapids… this is when goosebumps wake up and take over. Thank you, Ben, no other lectures nurture the eminence of Chopin's music quite like yours.

[@fredericlemaitre9444]

Love the way Garrick touches his piano during the final discussion of the video, it tells so much of his love for this instrument ❤

[@neilkilleen3911]

one day, perhaps you could get Hamelin to walk us through his etudes, some of which are humorously bonkers! Loving these videos and your joint insights

[@benlawdy]

@@neilkilleen3911 I actually do discuss his triple Etude and his Paganini variations on the tonebase premium site

[@brandonmartin5650]

What a great way to end of a working day by seeing a new video with Ohlsson illuminating us on the different aspects of these timeless pieces. Thanks Ben 🙏🇿🇦

[@qazsedcft2162]

Chopin: Play my etudes to improve your technique. Liszt: Improve your technique to play my etudes.

[@mickizurcher]

Great editing cuts from Garrick live to his recordings!!🤣🤣🤣

[@Stevie-Steele]

Op10 no11 is SO underrated and gorgeous! To anyone who loves that Etude - I HIGHLY recommend checking out Scriabin's Prelude Op. 15, No. 3 - it's in E major and uses the exact same technique. One of the most beautiful pieces ever composed and a VERY clear example of a master inspiring another master. I love the recording by Evgeny Zarafiants - he squeezes out even more beauty than most with his slower tempo and nice nuanced colours.

[@benlawdy]

It's so awkward to play and not as "flashy" as the others, but that's partly what makes it so special. Definitely an underrated gem of the whole 24.

[@Stevie-Steele]

EVERY Etude is a gem - I'm sure many people have the same experience as me; focusing on the famous ones and neglecting the others a little. The ones I used to neglect shine brighter now, after I've matured beyond being seduced by the more "technically brilliant" ones. The Godowsky Etudes actually helped me a lot in this. I know many people see the Godowsky Etudes as somehow betraying the Chopin originals but it's the absolute opposite - they honour the musical material with fresh variations that only further our appreciation for the richness of the originals. I know it sounds ironic but I'd encourage others to do the same - the Godowsky versions refresh our ears and renew our perspectives on the originals. I love them all the more after coming full circle!

[@benlawdy]

The Godowsky LH Etude on Op. 10/6 definitely helped me love the original even more.

[@guileguileguile8177]

Merci Ben Laude and Garrick Ohlsson

[@margarethansen7480]

Amazing vídeo, thanks both Ben and Garric for loving Music and explaining the Chopin's etudes so nicelly ❤❤❤❤❤

[@billtownsend937]

Dude wow, THANK you for these!

[@zacharydavies9083]

Can’t wait to see this!

[@LisztyLiszt]

I enjoyed this conversation towards the end regarding the poetry of the etudes. Liszt explicitly composed concert etudes. Chopin's are didactically minded, but are often performed in concert and competition, which is brilliant. But I've often felt that if Chopin had this in mind, he surely wouldn't have made Op 10. No. 1, No. 1. I find it amazing that human beings walk onto a stage and just blaze into this first etude, like they're in a reimagining of that scene from The Deer Hunter, but at the piano.

[@tackontitan]

Op 10 no 7 is probably my favorite warmup piece! It's a great way to remind yourself that you absolutely must stay RELAXED in your wrist and forearm. I play it through at a moderate tempo and then at full tempo towards the end of my practice session.

[@benlawdy]

I always loved the piece but was too intimidated by the technique to learn it properly. I never had "those kinds of hands." I think I could do it better now...

[@tackontitan]

@benlawdy you really should most definitely give it another go. BTW, if you get a chance to speak with Garrick Ohlsson again soon, could you ask what he think about the Godowsky-Chopin studies? I've always wondered what he thinks about them and the op. 10 transcriptions have been so much fun to practice.

[@mickizurcher]

@@benlawdyyou could. Our minds really screw with us.

[@worrellrobinson4332]

Congrats🎉🎉🎉 Superb story & session Josh, a great musician once said that "Jazz" is the continuation of "Classical" the language is the important key to all of it. keep educating the way you know you should stay blessed & fantastic...

[@Hjominbonrun]

I laughed at the comment ' Apparently my performance of those pieces caused a stir locally.' And I dont know why I am laughing.

[@tom6693]

Such a delicious understatement!

[@andynew2]

A shade higher than grade 1 I would humbly suggest. Amazing stuff.

[@daraassaf9359]

I was hyped af when you announced the Chopin Podcast. Still it far exceeded my expectations und continues to do so with every single episode. Thank you Garrick, Ben and the whole team behind it, it’s a monumental project. I’ve got a question: I looked up the schedule on your site and couldn’t find Grzegorz Niemczuk as a special guest or anything. Is there a feature planned? I love his KZbin channel and he’s just so passionate and knowledgeable about Chopin. He’s also working on a huge project, a video analysis of every Chopin piece, bilingual on top. Would love to see him appear in your podcast, maybe in the first mazurka episode!

[@benlawdy]

Thanks for the comment (if only I had something resembling a "team"...). I know Grzegorz Niemczuk's channel and the videos I've seen are super insightful. These podcast episodes are already (over)booked, and I was focused on pianists associated with the competition, but I'd love to talk to him at some point. Maybe we could organize some kind of interview/collaboration in 2025 when the Warsaw competition is approaching (and after I take a nice break from Chopin).

[@mickizurcher]

@@benlawdyis that a no?

[@mickizurcher]

I agree, he’s amazingly dedicated and passionate.

[@mickizurcher]

Yes, he was commissioned by the Polish government for some of his videos. Big fan!

[@benlawdy]

@@mickizurcher for the podcast? It’s a “probably not.” But this series won’t be the last thing I ever make on Chopin. Perhaps I could collaborate with him on something before the Warsaw competition.

[@jeff__w]

And, in related “Chopin étude news” (I hope it’s okay to mention here), Korean pianist Yunchan Lim [임윤찬] has been named the winner of the _Diapason d'Or_ in the Jeune Talent (Young Talent) category. The prize was given for his album _Chopin: Etudes,_ which was released on the Decca label in April of 2024. Lim had won a Gramophone Classical Music Award for it earlier in 2024. The Diapason d'Or awards are seen by many as some of the most prestigious recording awards in the classical music industry, according to _The Violin Channel._

[@ll1773]

Awesome talk. Thanks. Could you also talk about Op 25 No 12?

[@antoniomonteiro3698]

2 friends talking about what they know and love :)

[@pottedrodenttube]

Nicci Pags was a high water mark in music history.

[@harryjamison5728]

Nicci Pags 🤌

[@goflowjoe]

I thought this was the second etude video, but the title suggests that there's ANOTHER etudes video coming? I noticed at least two missing from these two videos, and of course the three Other etudes. Are you planning those for another video? Excellent content. Insightful, inspiring, and a joy to watch. Thank you, Ben.

[@benlawdy]

@@goflowjoe unfortunately couldn’t cover all of them with Garrick (already had to go twice as long just to cover in detail the etudes from the competition list, ! There’s another whole episode on the etudes though, featuring guests, but these two videos are what I produced with Garrick on the etudes.

[@goflowjoe]

@@benlawdy That's what I was wondering. Will you in the next episode cover the other etudes (e.g., the one in 6ths) in this detail with the other guests, or will you be focusing on different aspects, like history and recordings?

[@benlawdy]

@ different aspects, but I’ll try to at least give “air time” to the ones you haven’t heard here. FYI in Jed Distler’s segment (still part of this first etudes episode), we highlight op10/9, op25/3, and the second of the Trois Nouvelles Etudes (not much direct commentary, but playing recordings of these works).

[@goflowjoe]

@@benlawdy Thanks for clarifying, and again, for this awesome series. It really is remarkable how much a single man left such a mark on the world of classical music.

[@ksilebo]

Why is noone talking about the best Etude Op25 Nr 12 :(

[@jorgeandrade20]

Garrick is such a genius with an endless talent! Is that a Bosendorfer he's playing on?

[@MarxistischerMillionaer]

13:25 it looks like a bar code :D

[@keithlaliberte4755]

Bartok's Op.18 is fairly badass

[@brandonmacey964]

Op.10 no.10 is same technique found in the coda of the first ballade in g minor

[@dylanzwering2255]

"you guys are just not me" - Liszt probably

[@mcbuuiop]

3:36 Ben’s facial expression bc chopsticks vs op 10 no 2 is a bit of a stretch lmao

[@leonardodelyrarodrigues3752]

One thing I hoped they would have commented on was the similarity between the Etude wrong note number 5 and the waltz opus 42.

[@benlawdy]

I hadn't thought of that. Garrick does talk about the "wrong notes" of Op. 42 in our Waltzes interview (coming out in February now!)

[@leonardodelyrarodrigues3752]

@benlawdy But it's not just the wrong notes, the structure and melodies are similar too.

[@benlawdy]

@ interesting. You’ll have to explain, because they don’t immediately strike me as similar

[@leonardodelyrarodrigues3752]

@@benlawdy Ok the structure is not actually airy but the middle section of the wrong note has a similar melody to the melodies of the waltz.

[@benlawdy]

@ oooh I was thinking of the outer section. Interesting - I can see the resemblance

[@MrInterestingthings]

Czerny actually wrote serious,thoughtful music. When did a study have to be the Eroica.

[@benlawdy]

@@MrInterestingthings when Chopin came to town. But you’re right, Czerny was a serious composer and one of the most influential musical figures of the 19th century. He also wrote a bajillion opuses of exercises, which are still useful but also fun to make jokes about.

[@gleeb1282]

no mention of the trois nouvelles etudes?

[@benlawdy]

@@gleeb1282 nor op10/9, op25/3,6,8,9,12. Between 90 minutes of content over two in depth videos with Garrick, we could still only cover so much. Had to sacrifice something. Framed the interview around what the competition requires. Jed Distler recommends the Ab from Trois nouvelles Etudes in his video

[@daa589]

So what im hearing is op 10 no 2 is actually chopsticks 🎹

[@benlawdy]

@@daa589 🤣

[@militaryandemergencyservic3286]

18:39 - you talk about the thirds etude , well, Ben, you may like to know that Chopin was heavily influenced by Schubert's d946 no 2 (first episode) when he came to write his thirds etude. And here are two of my own thirds etudes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIikhYCaltOIf5o and here is the other (this is a "practice etude" - meaning it also contains, in additional to my highly original stuff, some exact parts of a particular famous piece - in this case Schubert's d899/2): kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIikhYCaltOIf5o You'll find both of these amongst my guitar etudes in this play liszt of mine containing 17 etudes: kzbin.info/aero/PLYUhuuvIrJm1B44Wi5JL80puvYUD-Y2bL By the way I was making that up about Chopin being influenced by Schubert's d946/2. His great kavierstucke d 946 were published in 1868, which meant that Chopin was at the ripe old age of 58 when he decided to plagiarize Schubert...

[@Chopin1403]

How about etude op 10 no 9? :(

[@benlawdy]

@@Chopin1403 “too easy” for the competition :/ Check out the video with Jed Distler - there’s an amazing recording of it mentioned in there

[@Chopin1403]

@benlawdy Is this his easiest Etude? Are you also going to talk about his nouvelle etudes btw?

[@benlawdy]

@ it’s probably the easiest, yes. Unfortunately didn’t have time to talk about the Trois nouvelles but again in the Jed Distler video her play recording of the second one

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Two guys talking about pianos. What's not to like?

[@debrucey]

It’s pronounced “Edinbruh”, bruh

[@benlawdy]

thanks bruh. glad you made it that far in the video!

[@debrucey]

@@benlawdy of course, loving the series

[@disinformationworld9378]

If you doing #7 with finger technique you are doing it wrong. Talk of tendinitis is absurd. Chopin would be aghast at how people attempted to play his pieces. Same with #1 and 2. Many pianists are totally in the dark on what Chopin was doing with arm technique in his compositions.

[@benlawdy]

Totally agree. But the subtle movements necessary to play these pieces right are elusive!