Fantasie-Impromptu in C-Sharp Minor (Op. 66)

---

Annotated Study Edition (1)

Bars 1 - 6

1. For maximum resonance from the very start, put the pedal down before you play the G# octave.
2. Take a little time on the C# octave and over the first sextuplet group, gradually establishing the tempo.
3. The LH groups may be played using either lateral wrist adjustments (the wrist moving from side to side) or with clockwise wrist circles (hoist the arm up and round on the 5^th finger, down and round on the thumb).
Loading video...
4. The RH requires a variety of different practice approaches. For full descriptions, see Practice Worksheet 1.
5. Coordinating the 3:4 polyrhythm is a process that takes patience over the course of some time. See Practice Worksheet 2 for a thorough step-by-step approach.
6. The pedal marking in the Fontana edition extends over 4 complete bars and is likely too much for our modern instrument (Chopin’s autograph contains scant pedallings for the middle section; there are none in the A section). You can thin out the resonance by fluttering the pedal or by using a slow, gradual release of the pedal, or by lifting the pedal up completely for the second half of bars 5 and 6, etc. Remember the pedal does not have to go all the way down to influence the sound, and your pedalling choices may well vary depending on the piano you are playing on and the room it is in. If there is a rule, it is this: always let your ear be your ultimate guide.

Resources & links Click here to view open domain editions for this work (external link). For a complete, downloadable version of this walkthrough, please see our Annotated Study Edition (Click here if you already own it or click here to purchase it)