24 Finishing Studies

Ignaz Moscheles' (1794-1870) 'Studien für das Pianoforte, zur höheren Vollendung bereits ausgebildeter Klavierspieler, bestehend aus 24 charakteristischen Tonstücken, Op. 70', published in 1827, are among the best studies of that time, covering the different idiomatic figurations for the piano in every key, mostly alternating between major and minor mode. With their imaginative piano setting, their typical phrasing and expressive harmonic idioms, the studies present themselves as the forerunners of the romantic character piece. The technically demanding figuration is mainly played by the right hand, but often appears in short left-hand passages as well. As the title of the work implies, these studies are meant for the advanced pianist, although they are not as difficult as the études by Chopin, Schumann or Liszt.