Take Beethoven`s Walstein. Starts at a cracking pace. Now, I enjoyed playing this a few years ago blissfully unaware of how fast it should be played at. Until I unearthed a copy of this Sonata played at an East European Piano Contest.

Nearly twice as fast as I played it. Sounded like somebody was real late for work. Traffic lights, other traffic, policemen, nothing nor nobody would stop him . . as he furiously carved and bludgeoned his way past, well, everything really. The keyboard must`ve been hot. . .

Now, how fast would Beethoven have played this in his day? Something similar?

Come on, guys! Betcha know . . . . .

http://info-poland.buffalo.edu/classroom/chopin/AL.html

Worth a read.

Consider reposting this in the pianist corner. It might get more attention, since this is more about playing than composing.