Frédéric Chopin
Etude
in C-sharp Minor, Op. 10 No. 4
This passionate and ferocious Etude, nicknamed "Torrent", is a study in rapid notes in both cramped and widespread patterns.
Year: 1832
Period: Early Romantic
Piano score: PS Urtext 
Audiovisual Study Tool
Torrent
This passionate and ferocious Etude is something every advanced piano student is likely to tackle on their journey to mastery. It stands as a great example of Chopin’s skill at taking a technical difficulty – in this case, rapid notes in both cramped and widespread patterns – and turning it into an emotionally satisfying tone poem that far transcends the role of a mere exercise. Like most of Chopin’s Etudes it is in ternary, or A-B-A form, rounded off with a great climax marked FFF and a thunderous Coda bringing the piece to a breathtaking close.Background
Chopin's first set of etudes signifies a complete overhaul of the etude genre, transforming it from technical drudgery to a true art form with rich emotional and musical content, which at the same time takes piano technique to new heights. It was dedicated to Franz Liszt, about whom Chopin reportedly said with regard to the études: “I wish I could steal from him the way he plays them.”Forum posts about this piece:
Piano Performance Masters Audition Repertoire by blastzit
Hi! I know this topic has been posted a million times, but I’d like some advice as well. I will be auditioning to music schools next year for a masters program, and I’m currently thinking of choosing some...
How to hold quarter notes in RH with thumb bar 29 30 Chopin etude op 10 no4 by yadeehoo
The previous 4 bars and the next 2 bars all have to same pattern of holding a quarter note with the thumb for the right hand. It’s especially hard during this section cause of the left-right motion + high...
How do I play a section from chopin etude?? by lonklin
Hi, so in measure 4 of etude opus 10 no 4 How do you play those arpeggiated chords with the notes above it? Should it be simultaneous with the notes above?or...
how to practise chopin etude op 10 n 4? by piabanoch
how i can practise Chopin etude op 10 n 4. After that i can do one trascendental...
Difficulty of Chopin op 10 no.4 by etudediabolo
Hi Relating to my other post, I was wondering what y'all's have to say about the difficulty of the Chopin etude op. 10/4. Is that a good etude to continue with, having already played op 25/1+2?
Repertoire help by png100
Hi everyone, I wanted some help/recommendations so that I can have a balanced repertoire for competitions. I am 17 and have 11 years of piano experience, and I most recently have been working on...
Beginning Chopin's op 10 no 4 by tomtomthesecond
So I have been wanting to begin playing Chopin's op 10 no 4, and I've been wondering what my chances are on playing it (both to tempo and to performance level). My repertoire over the past year has been...
What would you rather learn first - Chopin's Etude 10No4 or Prelude No16? by adamadamek
Chilled question🤔🤔. What would You say...what was more challenging let's say 2U while learning these brilliant pieces?...
Chopin Etude Op.10 No. 4 by jamesyur
Hey, i'm currently trying to learn this etude and I was just wondering if anyone who can play this can give some advice on the best place to begin (because i know that with some pieces, starting with the...
Physiology of Bar 2 of Chopin's Op.10 No.4 by sunlightscreen
Even though I got my ARCT 5 years ago and can stretch to reach a 10th, simply put, the torrent etude is the hardest etude I have come across played at the right speed, true presto, like how Richter did. At that...
Help for Chopin Etude op.10 no.4 by edithwales
Hello and thank you in advance for your helpful answers! I am going to play chopin etude op.10 no.4 for an competition and it’s been a while since i started learning it, about five years ago. Now i am able to...
Advice for RH arpeggios in Chopin op 10 no 4 (bars 3, 11) by judiciary
Hello! I'm currently working on Chopin's etude op 10 no 4 (Torrent). I've learned the first half or so, up to bar 37. It's not too bad and surprisingly I can already play parts of...
How is this note to be played by abhishekchanda
Hi, I was going through the score of op 10 no 4 Etude by Chopin out of curiosity. I wanted to know, how are the eighth notes played. I am referring to the bar 4 onwards. Is this note to be held...
University audition-which pieces? And technique? by _piano_angel
Hello I'm an 18 year old student, who has been playing piano for around 15-16 years, now I would like to apply to a university or music conservatory (in europe, so germany or vienna most likely, because I...
Practice Tips for Chopin's Etude Op. 10 No. 4 by laziefizh
Hi :) I'm new to this forum and actually seeking advice for my practice routine. All helps are much appreciated :) I've been learning piano and now ABRSM Grade 6 equivalent. I know my...
tips for chopin op 48 no 1 and op 10 no 4? by koakova
I'm playing Chopin Nocturne Op 48 No 1 and Chopin Etude Op 10 No 4, both of which I've heard are not very easy. I'm 14, and have been playing piano since I was 7. I've played...
Suggestions for Juilliard or Curtis piano audition by pianogics
I am currently preparing for the next piano audition for Juilliard, Curtis and several other colleges and universities. However, I am really having trouble choosing my repertoire. Also, I am well aware that my...
Which is harder? Chopin-Etude op no. 4 or Beethoven-Moonlight Sonata 3rd mov. by arren31
Mainly, the people who I want to vote, are the ones who has experience in playing both these two pieces, for better results. And thanks for anyone voting in advance :)....
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Etude Op. 10 No. 4 in C-sharp Minor, by the early romantic composer Frédéric Chopin. This piano piece was initially published in the year 1832 and is included in Etudes by Chopin.