Methodically exploring particular musical techniques lies behind some of the great sets of studies of the past – the best of which, such as Chopin’s Etudes, are beautiful and extraordinary works.

Inspired by the form - and specifically by Chopin's achievement - composer Nimrod Borenstein has been working on a multi-year challenge of composing ‘24 Piano Etudes’, each one exploring a different technique for the piano. Composed for a variety of pianists - which in turn also influences the writing – several have already been heard, including the 6^th, his Mephisto Etude, which was commissioned by the Hong Kong International Piano Competition and played by all 15 semi-finalists. The first 12 will be recorded and released on the Grand Piano label next year, performed by Tra Nguyen. 

But Borenstein wants people to follow him on his composing journey, Etude-by-Etude, and so has drawn together all the Etudes composed and recorded so far – currently six – into an online resource, in which each videoed performance is accompanied by an illustrated talk by Borenstein. Ahead of the site, you can exclusively watch a performance of Etude No 5, plus Borenstein’s exploration and explanation of it, below.

For another Borenstein premiere, see the Quartetto Di Cremona's new album on Avie, 'Italian Postcards' out in November.