The Chopin Etudes are without doubt one of the highlights of piano literature - they are essential in achieving a masterful technique and full of musical ideas. The present e-book edition illustrates the etudes in a historical context, based on an excursus on Chopin's piano methodology and a thorough comparison of the musical texts: from the original manuscripts to the most recent urtext editions. It deals with questions about genesis, style, interpretation and playing technique as well as with the history and development of the piano. This casts an entirely new light not only on the etudes themselves but also on the interpretation of other works by Chopin. With its numerous examples, facsimile reproductions and a discography, this e-book is a must-have for both lovers of Chopin's music and advanced amateur and professional pianists.