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On the Chopin Etudes, I haven't used rubato in excess since studying with Viardo in N. Texas. When I recently

gave a recital, my former teacher was astounded, but in a good way, while many in the audience who are familiar with my playing of ten years ago were telling me it NEEDED some rubato. I feel comfortable using very minimal rubato, except for perhaps #3 in E Major, where the rubato is mininal to moderate. How do you prefer to hear the etudes? IMO they are not gypsy music after all, but "studies," and still can be very stirring WITHOUT the big rubato.


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Vladimir Viardo is a great pianist and teacher. He tought you right way. Chopin is still classical romanticist and he never composed rubato in his etudes. That one has been done by the time, by huge number of the performers, as everybody has an own view and perception, and probably for the logical moments when your wrist becomes little tired and you let it a short rest by using rubato.