No. 2 in A minor

This is one of the most difficult etudes. Putting musicality aside, one cannot proceed unless the fingers are responsive. The author has never played this etude but has taught it. Here, I will share some practice tips, so please try them.

Let's take measure 29 as an example. First, try playing only the sixteenth-note scale without the chords, using the same fingerings as when the chords are present.

If problems arise in playing the scale at this point, it is, of course, almost impossible to play it with the chords. First, practice playing the scale using only fingers 5, 4, and 3.

Practice forte, putting strength into each note. Once you can play the scale with fingers 3, 4, and 5 firmly on the keyboard, proceed to the next exercise. Again, let's take measure 29 as an example. First, create groups of three notes. The first group consists of A and A-flat on the off-beat of beat 1, and G on the downbeat of beat 2. Of course, this G has B and E-flat below it, which should also be played together. Then, create the following loop:

A, A-flat, G, A-flat, A, A-flat, G, A-flat, A, A-flat, G, A-flat, etc. Including the two notes below G, ascend and descend these groups of three notes according to the fingerings. Once you get used to it, move on to the next group.

Next, the three notes are F and E on the off-beat of beat 2, and E-flat on the downbeat of beat 3. Of course, include the chord below E-flat. Then, create a loop and practice: F, E, E-flat, E, F, E, E-flat, E, F, E, E-flat, E. After that, try practicing in the same manner. When the author practiced measure 29 using this method, the D-flat, C, B occurring from the off-beat of beat 3 to beat 4 was the most challenging. The reason is simple: the two notes below this B are far apart, making the chord difficult to grasp. Please practice the groups you find particularly difficult extensively.