Chopin - Etude G flat major op. 10 no. 5 HN1323

Chopin’s Etude in G-Flat Major, Op. 10 No. 5, is one of his most famous and technically distinctive études. It is widely known as the “Black Key Etude” because, with the exception of a single F natural in bar 66, the right hand plays exclusively on the black keys.

This unusual writing gives the piece a pentatonic, almost Debussy-like harmonic character and contributes to its extraordinary popularity. Despite its playful and brilliant sound, the work demands considerable technical control and is rated Level 7 – Difficult by Henle.

This separate Henle Urtext Edition, edited by Ewald Zimmermann with fingering by Hermann Keller, is ideal for pianists who want to study this celebrated work without purchasing the complete Chopin Études collection.