Hi,
My teacher has asked me to do all the Chopin etudes before I graduate from high school. I am currently working on Op. 10, and I have basically done and memorized all of them. However, the Op. 10, No. 2 etude has given me a lot of problems. What techniques and ways do you practice the chromatics with the right hand? Has anyone here played this etude?

I can suggest basically two technics:
First, hold down the two bottom notes and try to play the chromatics by streching your fingers.
Second, holding your wrist stationary, play only with fingers in a very staccato manner. Both should be played slowly.
These two methods, should provide enough muscle memory, so that the notes just sit under your hands comfartably.
When speeding it up to tempo, relax your wrist as much as possible and use it to facilitate the crossovers. Pay close attention that the chords should be played exactly as long as the other notes in the chromatic.

Hakki.

[ October 05, 2001: Message edited by: Hakki ]

I must say that's a pretty tall order!..I have heard from different sources that op. 10. no. 2 might very well be the most difficult of the etudes...