This Etude, while not particularly difficult from the point of view of the notes to be played, is far from easy in terms of 'touch'. The main difficulty lies in striking the long notes in the top part so that they are sustained but not forced.

Alfred Cortot quoted Chopin's diary to describe this Etude:" Alone, I'm alone. It is not possible to be more lonely than I am . . ."

It ends most beautifully when the minor switch to major at the last moment.