Structure and stylistic traits
Like all of Chopin's other études, this work is in ABA form though the B section does not represent a contrasting and independent middle section in the manner of a trio. The entire piece is based on the same semiquaver motif, which springs from its opening strong sforzato accent to rapidly increase its volume and compass until ending abruptly on a strong sforzato climax. Musicologist Hugo Leichtentritt (1874–1951) presents a graphic curve which illustrates the aggressive character of the motive expanding from second to eleventh in less than three bars. Leichtentritt compares the manner in which the motif is developed, especially the 4-bar alternations of left and right hand in the rendition of the theme, to certain Bach preludes, or to the gigue of J. S. Bach's '' English Suite No. 6''. In the B section these alternating sequences are shortened to two bars and the frequency of sforzati and accents rises. Leichtentritt believes that in fast tempo the sforzati climaxes in bars 16–45 can be perceived as a coherent contour line. Again, as in Op. 10, No. 1, Chopin achieves powerful sound effects with arpeggios in tenths on diminished seventh chords. After the climax, , ''con forza'' (45–47), a more transparent bridge leads to the return of the A section which recapitulates the first two eight-bar periods extending the cadence by four extra bars, increasing to and preparing the raging coda, ''con più fuoco possibile'' (as fierily as possible). Chopin scholar Simon Finlow observes that a very similar passage occurs a decade before Chopin in the rondo of Johann Nepomuk Hummel's Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 85. In Hummel though the purpose of the semiquaver figure is to "decorate a chromatic sequence" whereas in Chopin the figure "embodies a motivic structure that permeates the entire composition" and reaches a "dramatic apotheosis" in the Coda. Another remarkable trait is the upbeat character of the motif likewise permeating the entire piece. Like in the first two études of Op. 10, a rough copy autograph reads cut time (alla breve), further supported by the metronome mark = 88 referring to half notes (rather than = 176 referring to quarter notes).Character
American music critic James Huneker (1857–1921) believes that "despite its dark key color", this étude "bubbles with life and spurts flame." German pianist and composer Theodor Kullak (1818–1882) calls it a "bravura study for velocity and lightness in both hands. Accentuation fiery!" Leichtentritt calls the piece a "magnificent tone-painting" rachtvolles Tongemäldeand "elemental sound experience" lementares Klangerlebnis Chopin scholar Robert Collet believes that the study "has more than a hint of something elemental, demoniacal and even sinister." Italian composer and editor Alfredo Casella (1883–1947) states: "The piece should be finished with extreme impetuosity and without any relaxing, almost like a body hurled with great velocity uddenly dashingagainst an unexpected obstacle."Technical difficulties
InArrangements
Leopold Godowsky's version for the left hand alone in his 53 '' Studies on Chopin's Études'' "retains most elements of the model," but presents a challenge to the performer who tries to "retain the full emotional impact of the original." Hamelin, Marc-André. "Godowsky’s Studies on Chopin’s Etudes." Liner notes for ''Godowsky: The Complete Studies on Chopin’s Etudes''. Hyperion. CDA67411/2, 2000, p. 15.Notes and references
External links
*