Études, Op. 10

The first series of Chopin’s Études was published in 1833. At that time the Polish composer was only 23 years old, yet already famous in major Parisian salons. That is where he met another young artist destined for musical immortality: Franz Liszt, to whom the Études, Op. 10 are dedicated. This book of twelve works generally intended for a piano student’s development  is renowned for its surprising charm and musicality. Their performance appeal was so great that several of the etudes were adorned with nicknames. It is not by chance that Étude No. 12 goes under the name of “La révolutionnaire!” Though originally conceived as studies of the technical aspects of piano playing, Chopin’s Études are a masterpiece played in the best concert halls of the world, and whose performance difficulties offer no mitigation to its artistic value.