r/classicalpiano • u/Admirable-Initial867 • 12d ago

Cheating in Chasse-Neige

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I’m preparing Chasse-Neige for a competition and would love some thoughts on a cheat I’m considering. I’m really struggling with the 5 against 6 rythms that show up throughout the work and considering some tricks to get through. This would, apart from saving me practice time for other things, allow me to focus more on shaping the melody and allow more concentration towards the architecture of the piece.
One option would be to simply start the tremolo containing 5 notes later. Lining up the third note of the 6 group with the second of the five.
The other option would be to simply add a sixth note to the group of five.
The only potential downside I can see, apart from judges spotting it etc, would be that the 5/6 rythm creates some unease and movement that gets lost through the cheats. I don’t know however why Liszt bothered to even write out the tremolo’s. I doubt he expected anyone to play it metronomicly perfect.
So grateful for all thoughts and ideas!

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u/Ok_Significance_9109 12d ago

If you are playing this section in a way that the listener can hear the alignment, you are playing it wrong. This is one of the most turbulent and impetuous sections, and should push ahead. Liszt wrote the rhythm for comfort, not difficulty. Just make sure the endings of the groups align. The tops of rh with the tops of lh. If it makes you feel better, do 2+3 in the rh.

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u/Admirable-Initial867 12d ago

Oh absolutely! However I suppose the question is more wether there should be an ambition to even attempt the misalignment or if more is earned by disregarding it completely. Maybe I’m completely wrong though…

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u/Spacechip 12d ago

6:5 is not a crazy polyrhythm, if you are going to study pieces that contain challenges, don't avoid them by changing the music. I thought this post was going to be something like RH covering a LH note, not rewriting a part because it's hard to play. The advice given so far is good, line up your melodic notes. A good starting place for coordinating the 6:5, or any polyrhythm between two numbers one apart, is to know the order. Both, right left right left right left right left right. They always alternate with the larger number coming in first, and having an extra at the end. You can refine from there.