transcendental difficulty

A term used by critics and scholars to describe a level of piano writing that exceeds conventional notions of advanced technique — requiring simultaneous independence of both hands at extreme tempos, or a single hand covering textures normally requiring two. Godowsky's Studies after Chopin are the canonical example.

Approach these works in stages: first establish the original Chopin voice clearly at tempo; then learn the added counterpoint as an independent piece; finally blend the layers, prioritising clarity of the original over the added material at all times.