1) F. Chopin, "Aeolian Harp" Etude op. 25 no. 1

An etude (French word for "study") is written to focus on specific technical challenges. Chopin was a composer who elevated the etude from an exercise to a piece fit for the concert stage! Some became so popular they were given nicknames but "Aeolian Harp" does not come from the composer himself.

Questions

What technical challenges do you think this etude focuses on? (Hint: watch the version with the music notes)
How would you describe the mood of this piece? What feelings does it give you?

2) Rimsky-Korsakov - Flight of the Bumblebee

This is a popular piece you may have heard before - as the title suggests, it's a whirlwhind of notes that are to evoke the buzzing of bees. The first link is of a "simple" arrangement by S. Rachmaninoff. The second link is like a whole swarm of angry bees by Georges Cziffra, played by Yuja Wang.

Questions

Which version did you prefer and why?
What kind of unique scale does this piece use?

I had the pleasure of meeting pianist, Yuja Wang (October 2015) at the Bella Concert Hall after a thrilling performance with 5 encores.