Étude in E major 'Tristesse', Op. 10 No. 3

F. ChopinOp. 10 No. 3

Key

E

Time

2/4

Tempo

♩=100

AO focus

AO2

Form

Lento ma non troppo — ABA. The A theme is among the most lyrical melodies Chopin wrote (he himself reportedly said 'I have never written a more beautiful melody'). The central B section explodes into virtuoso double-thirds.

Teaching points

• Cantabile melody — the A theme demands singing legato. Practise as if vocal
• Central virtuosity — RH double-thirds at speed in the B section. A separate technical study
• Practical: top-tier audition piece — the contrast within one étude tests every facet of pianism