Polonaise in Ab Major?

Question

I started on the Chopin Polonaise in Ab major several months ago. I've already gotten through the the first six pages of the composition, but now my piano teacher is telling me that its to challenging for me and that its not right to challenge yourself too much. I totally disagree with what she said because I played the Fantaisie Impromptu in C# Minor for the last recital and that was a a very difficult and challenging piece to master. I like to challenge myself to pieces like the Polonaise in Ab Major because those are one of Chopins masterwork pieces. So whats the difference? Theres only six more pages to go in the composition and it doesnt look that really hard to me. Im not giving up on this piece and I will finish it on my own regardless of what she says !!!

Answer 1

If you can play it, then you are ready for at least its technical demands. However, if you learn it on your own, thinking you are ready for it, and employ some bad habits as you learn it, it may not be so good. This is one of those pieces that I loved to hear others play at the pre-state level...."Why?" because it's so easy to get wrong - thus, I don't hear many high school pianists who can play it well. Having said all of this, I have no idea what age you are, or how many years you have studied, but good for you if you can indeed learn to play it well on your own. Be well.