Why does Fantaisie-Impromptu only SOUND fast?

It’s called a polyrhythm. This specific one is four against three.

[@icedtohfuu9555]

Bro when you played it slowly, it gave me a nostalgic feeling when I was still learning it. Then you started playing fast, it felt so good to hear it.

[@jackwyndham]

Oh I love to hear that. Such a fun piece!

[@RahmetliOctillery]

If you can play it slowly, you can play it quickly. Don't forget my friend

[@sidr8920]

​@@RahmetliOctillery sacrilegious boi reference lol

[@a__youtube__user]

Yo same I got sick of the melody

[@lindsayrene350]

ME TOO!! The nostalgia hit me!!

[@dereklemon8943]

The mirrored piano broke me

[@jackwyndham]

Wish I knew how to unmirror it :(

[@d3l_nev]

​@@jackwyndham Just flip the video.

[@jackwyndham]

@@d3l_nev I really have tried I can’t find it. Maybe I should record on my camera, flip it, then upload.

[@ghintz2156]

God, SAME.

[@nn0vazen]

@@jackwyndhamtry using an editing app or use the edit feature on your phone

[@greenbeans2424]

Getting two hands to play at different rhythms was what took the longest for me to learn with this piece

[@MunyuShizumi]

I was taught to combine the rhythms using the lowest common denominator, in this case 12. Then you play the right hand at 1-4-7-10 (every 3) and left at 1-5-9 (every 4). When combined, it's essentially: (LR) ~ ~ (R) (L) ~ (R) ~ (L) (R) ~ ~ | (LR) ... It feels unnaturally slow at first, but becomes immensely useful when increasing the tempo.

[@Annspiration]

@@MunyuShizumi I even took out my calculator to figure out what was going on.😂

[@BarbaraOpenheimer]

I suggest playing the midsection first, because the polyrythm is more foregiving. I played it well in just a week (without any piano or music experience).

[@colter7300]

@@BarbaraOpenheimerno experience but u played it in a week??

[@carl9362]

@@BarbaraOpenheimer took me 3 hours have never touched a piano in my life it aint that hard

[@randommoth1235]

It's actually quite simple Famous last words in a tutorial

[@yrds96]

As my professor said to me once: "It's easy for me at least"

[@amysilva23]

This is making me go insane how are u playing that thats not humanly possible

[@jackwyndham]

Thank you I am playing it with my hands ❤️

[@telite7263]

@@jackwyndham I mean, you aren’t wrong 💀

[@scientistmiles]

@@jackwyndham 💀

[@TelepathShield]

@@jackwyndham Omg thank you for the tip I was using my feet. I’ll have to work harder on that 😅

[@grelllestrange]

My piano teacher at the end of my piano lesson today: "Oh, you can look into this piece, I think you'll manage!" Me: "WHAT?!" 🫡

[@Spartakus68]

It's the polyphonic rythm that gives it's fast sounding . This fiverish sensation. Left hand plays 3 then right plays 4, the alternation of notes makes it sound faster than it is.

[@jackwyndham]

Exactly.

[@philosophiaentis5612]

Yeah, but its polythythm makes it more difficult than fast pieces only.

[@lenzschwarze]

​@@philosophiaentis5612 it's easier to manage when you play it faster

[@socialite1283]

The pulse is in minims. Two minims to the bar of cut-time rhythm, and a sextuplet of quavers to each minim. The accent is at the bar-line with the first beat taking the accent, and the second beat unstressed. If your playing is not exactly in time on each of the two beats of the bar then you are not playing it correctly. In your playing you should hear the 2/2 pulse.

[@MrRezRising]

I use this trick when I play a drumbeat in 6. Those 4/4 pulses call to me like whalesong.

[@lanagain1462]

“If you can play it slowly, you can play it quickly” -Ben lee

[@jackwyndham]

I know that quote, and I’ve always argued that despite its absurdity, there is wisdom! Fast and slow are fundamentally the same on the piano. The technique doesn’t change if your slow technique is good. So with that said, if you can CRUSH IT slow, fast shouldn’t be a problem!!

[@sarvin4471]

The fact that each hand is in a different TIME tells me this definitely is as hard as it sounds 😂

[@jackwyndham]

Haha, exactly.

[@PeterMaleitzke]

When I was in college I played this piece for Byron Janis in a master class. He introduced me to a new to me concept of Chopin rubato. Not only were the hands in a different rhythm, but they were also in a different tempo. This was exciting, but having learned it perfectly as written, nearly tore my insides apart to discover the freedom he was introducing me to.

[@jackwyndham]

That makes so much sense! Thank you for this, I'll do some more listening but I think I get what you mean.

[@m1co294]

Polyrythms, Chopin's secret weapon.

[@fluxzy1698]

Bro in church

[@jackwyndham]

I actually played this for the church I work at this morning as a postlude. They love even the angriest art music.

[@stravinskyfan]

​@@jackwyndham man you're allowed to do that in your church? I must pay a visit that's one very chill church

[@jambofett]

This was my Covid piece. Took me a year to learn it from memory. I dip my toe back in now and again as it always seems a shame to forget any piece, especially such a beautiful one as this.

[@mayflowers5702]

I never thought it was THAT simple

[@jackwyndham]

Yeah! And it’s super fun to learn.

[@susanhonegger9987]

😂

[@greedy12537]

It's not.....

[@cordulas2948]

It is not so difficult, you do the circles of left hand and it is the same motion in left hand.

[@cordulas2948]

It is like a father is walking with a little child with little legs.🎉❤

[@emilianozapata2051]

The part of my brain that controls hand movements would be delayed until the part of my brain that processes reading catches up

[@Griefer_Jesus]

As a percussionist, no thanks

[@f3ll1xxie]

my teacher just gave me this piece, thank you for making me feel more relieved 😅

[@GPK1075]

I am playing this piece for a level 10 piano evaluation (yt video of me playing on my channel) and it is SO FUN. especially from major 13, and the middle part is super underrated, and literally nobody knows what the coda sounds like, but the piece is soooooo good.

[@jackwyndham]

It’s so good! You’re gonna nail it!

[@voltsu]

damn you can move both hands at 2 different speeds

[@thomasgary1219]

When I was a kid the we went was one of those beautiful old churches with stained glass windows, and a pipe organ that sounded absolutely magnificent. In Galveston Texas. The organist and Choir master was an extremely talented young man, and actually used to play this piece on the pipe organ, and it was just amazing especially the middle part that is slower

[@jackwyndham]

That’s my favourite part! I love that I seem to have brought back some memories. Thank you for watching.

[@alhfgsp]

A great way to learn polyrhythms.

[@mattbrown2190]

That’s the extent I know it to lmao. Those first 6 measures are a breeze lol

[@jackwyndham]

Definitely does get more challenging as it goes on. I personally find the middle section doesn’t get enough credit for its difficulty and is often played wrong because of it. If you’ve got the polyrythm though I’m sure you can learn the rest!

[@mattbrown2190]

@@jackwyndham yeah I 100% agree. Definitely not at my level of skill yet, need to get more practice hours in.

[@doge_the_cat]

NIGGA WHAT???????

[@sofiiapiano]

@@jackwyndham how much pedal do you use in this piece?

[@jackwyndham]

@@sofiiapiano more than Rubinstein, but it varies piano to piano!

[@joshuawesterman6097]

I finished memorizing this piece, one of my favorite to play

[@SixWatt]

Analyzed the sheet music you put up on screen, and was able to play it with correct finger positions at moderate speed. I’m one of those pianists who memorize notes from synthesias to play, and after watching this, I’m reconsidering my method of learning. Will definitely try and learn from sheet music from now on. This video was a blessing for me, thank you ❤️

[@jackwyndham]

You made my day! I'm so happy I could help you out! Sheet music is definitely the way to do! Synesthesia videos don't capture all the necessary nuance.

[@jackwyndham]

@garyallen8824 I try to get the motivation behind the instructions on the score. Eventually playing by memory is all ear based, at least for me. But that might be the jazz talking.

[@dustinsprague5083]

Interesting. It sounds exactly as fast as it sounds

[@jackwyndham]

Fair observation

[@HuseyinzadeMehrab2000]

Thank you for your explanation. I believe piano lovers will benefit from this explanation...🙂👍👍👍

[@jackwyndham]

No problem glad you liked it!

[@susanhonegger9987]

I love Chopin. His music is just magic

[@jackwyndham]

Totally

[@user-yf6cd9bb8t]

Hard. Hard. Hard. One of the hardest pieces I have ever played. Yuja wang played it perfectly at 10 years old.

[@OvalHasAimBot]

my third song i learned, thanks f

[@jackwyndham]

[@kylenyaseda6577]

Bro thanks so much 😅

[@Pianist890_franz]

😊 ❤❤❤❤ I love it, it's incredible 🙃🙃

[@mihchin]

oh my god is that polyrhythm

[@phl2333]

C'est ce rythme 4-3 qui rend cet impromptu si difficile mais tellement agréable (et valorisant) à travailler. Sans parler du son envoûtant, mais ça on sait, c'est Chopin.

[@sctm81]

The 4 vs 3 makes it sound fast. When i was a kid i thought its the ultimate (chopin) piece. Nowadays i appreciate the bigger works of the composer like the ballades and Scherzos.

[@a__youtube__user]

Couldn’t agree more, this piece sounds super hard, but even for an intermediate pianist, it’s pretty easy. The hardest part for me was memorizing the long middle section. If you are proficient in piano, I would recommend learning this piece. It makes a great party song and grandparent-pleaser.

[@robinfox4440]

My brain squirmed a bit trying to process why the notes further up the piano were the lower ones before I realized it was mirrored.

[@cordulas2948]

Good explanation. 🎉

[@vinaypamm1]

Fantastic!!!!

[@slim531]

thats a beautifull window

[@brendalee8694]

Beautiful now I gotta go listen to the whole thing 😆

[@jackwyndham]

Hopefully I'll have a version up soon!

[@brendalee8694]

@@jackwyndham my brand new grandson loves it

[@warmooze]

This is actually easier for me than Nocturne in e flat major. Can't wrap my heat around those damn left hand jumps, and I've played Rachmaninoff 😅 With Fantasy Impromptu you kust have to focus on the notes that actually go together, the rest will come naturally.

[@jackwyndham]

That's a hot take! Depends on your skill set for sure. I'd personally classify the nocturne as more difficult for anyone with trouble expressing.

[@m.moonsie]

Inferno take for real.

[@jonnyjazzz]

Yep, it was a pain to get my brain wrapped around the different timings.

[@joaneusabiaga7615]

Color me thoroughly impressed, Eric! You’re very talented :)

[@jackwyndham]

Who the hell is Eric

[@coreydunn7665]

I recently came back from deployment in poland. I didnt realize chopin was a staple in their culture. I got mug from a nearby shop and i plan on keeping it forever.

[@vampiriclion1176]

I remember... so much pain on this piece 😂😂.

[@jackwyndham]

Truly

[@zynosgd9982]

I'm way more impressed by pianists ability to do different rythms with both hands than simply "playing fast" and this 6 over 4 thing kinda broke my brain a little...

[@jackwyndham]

Agreed

[@jolandascott9633]

For a while I couldn't figure out this songs polyrythms so I was just playing the right hand for like 3 months until all of a sudden I decided to try it one more time with both right and left and some how I did it first try 😂

[@jackwyndham]

That's how it goes!

[@Moacir_Pinarii]

Man, now i want to lern piano

[@senseitiger2704]

People simple words of advice how to do it, “practice” do it slowly and be patient, trust me you’ll get it, and be consistent

[@jackwyndham]

Exactly.

[@lanzealot3429]

One of the classical piece I would want to play piano but I'm too lazy 😭

[@light_9380]

Bro has a metronome in his head

[@classicalmusic2027]

Very interesting!

[@KrxShade]

Im actually learning this song and I remember almost crying when I listen to it slowed down

[@jackwyndham]

Maybe I'll post a slowed cover!

[@kettlemagic]

If it sounds fast, it means it IS fast!

[@EthanHGray]

That’s phat.

[@ephjaymusic]

Yeeee!

[@martwelsh]

I like how for me it was either way 😂

[@elsantiago4725]

Good example!

[@roberthunter5059]

My fingers are way too stupid to ever play this.

[@Yadeehoo]

First time hearing anyone play the left hand correctly

[@Mikishots]

Aaaand this is why I play a kazoo

[@jackwyndham]

And I bet you're fantastic

[@trevordance3453]

I got the sheet music and saw this and my immediate thought was that Chopin took some kind of sadistic pleasure in writing a piece this mind-bending. I am glad someone has pointed this out on a video, I thought it was just me who thought WTF !!!

[@szvelts]

It’s actually about 3 times as fast as that

[@slomle4708]

As a new pianist i represnt all new dudes by saying WTF IS THAT ONE TOOOP LOOOW ONE

[@jackwyndham]

Pardon me?

[@MatBat__]

😂 that pretty fast in my book

[@스벅]

DAMN

[@alchemist6306]

it’s the moire effect

[@jackwyndham]

That is a perfect analogue. I will use that with my students! Thank you.

[@rachelbarnett6890]

I can't believe my piano teacher try to get me to play this 😂

[@jackwyndham]

You can do it!

[@makisstrouzas4576]

Well the pace might not be the hardest but that polyrhythm action is definitely the case

[@splix3012]

Same principle work in animation as well. Different things animated in 4s look line things animated in 1s or 2s if its uneven.

[@K150arts]

the syncopation is what makes it so hard 😭😭

[@jackwyndham]

Truth

[@Dylan_Otto]

Ah the classic technique of mashing a controller button (or a bunch of keys) with both hands XD

[@handsfree1000]

Looks like the film has been inverted , the film is showing the left hand playing the right hand part. Seems to be common on KZbin

[@jackwyndham]

Ugh it still haunts me to this day. This is far and away my most viewed video and everytime I see it I have to be reminded that it's reversed and played poorly. Time marches on.

[@AlSween]

The acoustics in that church is great! PS I wish my hands were larger.

[@catturkey2496]

Ok I think my brain know how to do But my hands say No😂

[@greedy12537]

Bro its hard stop ittttt

[@unknow3d]

it is actually so hard bro

[@MusicManMisha]

P o l y r h y t h m s

[@camdenregister1938]

Can we acknowledge Bumblefoot played this on guitar

[@laoisemeehan]

I will be able to play this.. When I am 80

[@jackwyndham]

I believe in you!

[@soundofsilence21]

I understand it, but I still don't know how it's possible

[@avecaesar6699]

Yes

[@morrisgreg2176]

It's an Etude. Was written to be a challenge, in this way!

[@jackwyndham]

I often say the same to my students! Just because something isn't called Etude doesn't mean it isn't one!

[@simonarens5890]

For a moment I thought you are flexing by playing the right hand with your left, for no reason

[@jackwyndham]

My favourite comment on the mirrored image so far.

[@RafahProject]

It kept faster as hell

[@LASVER_2]

I can play this on my piano

[@erwansilvain2761]

this feeling is very similar on the moonlight sonata 3rd

[@ilikewater1575]

And I thought playing in 3/3 time was annoying enough, now you have to do it with uneven times… 😭🙏

[@awkqua]

Early days polyrhythm

[@jackwyndham]

Nested tuplets here we come!

[@OwlHasLigma]

Wow you're so good. I wish I could play Fantasie Impromptu but I can only play the noturne op.9 no.2. Looks way too hard, haha. Good stuff once again 👍

[@jackwyndham]

What’s ligma

[@jackwyndham]

Also thank you that is very kind and I bet you’d kill Fantaisie impromptu, it’s just scary to start it.

[@OwlHasLigma]

@@jackwyndham I'll wait a bit and learn some other pieces before giving it a shot. Haha, thanks for the words of encouragement. Also look up ligma if you want to find out💀

[@Silversorcerer]

an interesting trick that's easier to manifest with two seperate musicians. I find stuff like this to be mind numbingly tedious to play on the piano. I'm having to concentrate on splitting the beat so much that I don't get to really experience the music of it, just the technical stuff.

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

My mind

[@n.m.6126]

its units of 6. although thinking of them as triplets makes it easier to practice the polyrhythm, theres a reason chopin noted them down as units of 6.

[@GuidoHaverkort]

Even slowly it's fast for me😅😂

[@davoudshojaei7834]

If I hear thie piece one more time, I swear to god

[@Ahumanbeing13]

I’m looking through the comments and I see that the creator hearted about every one except for a few people, but the majority of comments in the section were hearted. So PLEASE heart this Please

[@cordulas2948]

It looks like left hand is playing the Melodie, mirorred . Oh No.

[@USwipe]

You can learn that polyrhythm in one hour. Practice with hands first than fingers and add more fingers in any scale or key. Together, right, left, right, left, right and repeat that. You can actually see how simple it is.

[@jackwyndham]

Absolutely! It’s not super complicated but it is deceptive!

[@EduardoRivera-cz4od]

no, although you helped me understand an important concept that I've been looking for

[@jackwyndham]

Polyrhythms?

[@loxxi8433]

Oh no my biggest fear cane true… THEY ARE UNEVEN