"Frederic Chopin's Revolutionary Etude" - University of Virginia Supplement

... hmmmmmm haha
please edit. butcher it. tell me what you think.
i'm not sure what I think about it sooooo you guys can tell me hah.

PROMPT: in 250ish words:::: What work of art, music, science, math or literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you, why?

Currently Frederic Chopin's Revolutionary Etude and I are in a duel.
I started the duel when I challenged myself to play the etude, a piece that is the antithesis of what I normally play.
Chopin's Revolutionary Etude is a fast, loud, grand piece that takes endurance, strength, and large hands. I, on the other hand, have always had problems with playing loudly and always played on the softer side without much dynamic (sound) changes but when I decided to learn this piece I also decided to take on a challenge to myself and the etude.

At first my small hands were a handicap but I found a way around it. My small frame and short height still prevent me from playing with my whole body and my thin arms lack the strength needed for the piece. I also lack the endurance to play such a long, energy draining piece. However, I knew all these things and in fact decided to challenge myself by deliberately playing a piece that would take me out of my piano comfort zone and possibly change me.

Although I am still dueling the etude I am determined to win the challenge I started. No, I will win. By the time I will have completed the song I am sure I will have learned and gained many things- strong arms and a new challenging personality. Through succeeding this challenge I will be able to go on challenging other things in my life other than piano and will gain confidence, and once again stronger arms.

So take that Chopin- your Revolutionary Etude is in danger of being defeated!

I would personally change this to: "You could say" Currently Frederic Chopin's Revolutionary Etude and I are in a duel.
I started the duel when I challenged myself to play the etude, a piece that is the antithesis word choice can be better here (unless it's a musical term which I wouldn't know about) of what I normally play.

Chopin's Revolutionary Etude is a fast, loud, grand piece that takes endurance, strength, and large hands.LOL I, on the other hand, have always had problems with playing loudly and always played on the softer side without much dynamic (sound) changes but when I decided to learn this piece I also decided to take on a challenge to myself and the etude.

At first my small hands were a handicapAt first my small hands proved to be a handicap but I found a way around it. My small frame, thin arms and short height however still prevented me from playing with the strength and versatility that I lacked for this piece . I also lack the endurance to play such a long, energy draining piece. However, I knew all these things and in fact decidedDespite all of this, I was still willing to challenge myself by deliberately playing a piece that would take me out of my piano comfort zone and possibly change me. wait, what? change you? that's kinda sudden. Do you mean physically?

Although I am still dueling thethis etude, I am determined to win the challenge I startedfight? Also, you can make more variations to the phrase "dueling" . No, I will win.

By the time I will have completed the song I am sure I will have learned and gained many things- strong arms and a new challenging personalitywoah ok this is rather odd. You can say "you have gain more confidence". You have to be more specific with the personality that you think you'd gain . Through succeeding this challenge I will be able to go on challenging other things in my life other than piano and will gain confidence, and once again stronger arms.lol what? You can say "I will not be afraid to take on even harder pieces and outdo myself over and over!"

So take that Chopin- your Revolutionary Etude is in danger of beingshall be defeated!

I am applying to Virginia too o_o and I quite like your take on this situation, it's definitely an interesting way to describe your situation, but rather rough around the edges. You have to be more specific in what you will gain: confidence, strength, durability, increased appreciation, knolwedge...what is it?

Good luck :)

-NV

hahah thanks :) it definitely wasn't my best essay so thanks for all your tips!
annnnnnd good luck to you tooo!!!