Also known as: "Octave-Etude"

The Opus 25 set concludes with three of the most powerful creations of Chopin. This one has rapid legato melody in four octaves, calling for extreme endurance. The contrasting middle section is marked 'lento'.

James Huneker wrote: "Chopin has never penned a lovelier melody than the one in B--the middle section of this etude--it is only to be compared to the one in the same key in the B minor Scherzo, while the return to the first subject is managed as consummately as in the E flat minor Scherzo, from op. 35."

Jose Iturbi tells us "In my opinion there are two which are impossible to play : the Op.10 No.2 and the Octave Etude... Pianists just put down the pedal, but to play every octave perfectly and at the same time to hear the inner notes is impossible."

Frederick Niecks calls it "a real pandemonium; for a while holier sounds intervene, but finally hell prevails."

Hans von Bulow described it as an 'Asiatic wilderness'.