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Published: Monday, 04 November 2024 at 15:38 PM
Best of Chopin: seven essential works by the great Romantic
One of the greatest composers of the Romantic or indeed any era, Frédéric Chopin had a huge influence on classical music – and on piano repertoire in particular. Born in Poland in 1810, Chopin’s early talent blossomed in Warsaw before he ultimately settled in Paris, where he would compose some of the most intimate, expressive works ever written for the piano.
Often inspired by the folk dances and melodies of his homeland, is filled with an emotional depth and technical brilliance that captivated audiences in his lifetime and continues to resonate with listeners today.
Ranging from poetic nocturnes and fiery polonaises to innovative études and delicate mazurkas, Chopin’s compositions are distinguished by their delicate textures, harmonic sophistication, and technical demands. Unlike his contemporaries such as Franz Schubert or Robert Schumann, Chopin composed almost exclusively for the piano, using it as his primary means of expression and crafting a style that merged virtuosic complexity with a uniquely introspective quality. In fact, of the major Romantic composers, only Franz Liszt approached Chopin’s devotion to his instrument and its endless possibilities in solo performance.
Here are seven great works that illuminate the genius of Chopin, and remind us why he remains so essential to the piano repertoire and so beloved a figure in classical music history. Read on for our best of Chopin in seven stunning pieces.
Best of Chopin
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, ‘Funeral March’
Known for the iconic slow movement that has since given the work its nickname, the Second Piano Sonata sees Chopin exploring life and death. That sombre melody from the third movement has come to characterise the work in many listeners’ ears. However, the two outer movements feature music that is by turns effervescent and mysterious.
Polonaises
Poland’s national dance is a stately affair, but in Chopin’s hands, it become a passionate statement about his home country. Start with the A-major Polonaise, Op. 40 no. 1, also known as the ‘Military’. Once you’ve got a handle on that one, why not move on to the ‘Heroic’, a powerful and patriotic piece that has become a symbol of Polish pride. Its bold, majestic themes and triumphant rhythms make it one of Chopin’s most celebrated compositions, embodying both strength and grace.
Recommended recording: Maurizio Pollini, Martha Argerich, Anatol Ugorski (piano) DG 477 5430
Nocturne in E flat major, op. 9 no. 2
One of the best loved of Chopin’s nocturnes, the E flat major is characterized by its gentle, flowing melody and tranquil beauty. Its combination of delicate, ornamental lines and probing emotional depth make the E flat Nocturne a quintessential Romantic piano work.
Etudes, op. 10 and op. 25
Chopin’s two books of Etudes, or studies, test and stretch a player’s advanced technique. But the music contains depth and feeling. Where to start with the Etudes? Well, you might want to begin with the passionate, powerful Op. 10, No. 12, also known as the ‘Revolutionary’, and then try the ‘ piece reflecting turmoil, and the ‘Winter Wind’ (Op. 25, No. 11), with its dazzlingly fast and stormy runs up and down the keyboard.
Recommended recording:
Murray Perahia (piano)
Sony SK61885
More best of Chopin: a waltz, a concerto and four perfect slices of Romantic drama
Waltz Op. 64 No. 1 in D flat major, ‘Minute Waltz’
Singularly unimpressed with the Viennese ballroom scene, Chopin set about composing his own waltzes, published in 1819, which contain abandon, but a certain wistfulness too. If you want a way into the Waltzes, start with the so-called ‘Minute Waltz’ – playful, charming, with a swirling melody that, while challenging for the performer, is an experience of pure musical sunlight for the listener.
Recommended recording: Ingrid Fliter (piano) EMI 698 3512. Or try the legendary Artur Rubinstein, one of the greatest pianists of all time and an absolute master with Chopin.
Piano Concerto No. 1
Composed shortly before he left Poland, Chopin shows his gift for long-arching melodic lines and filigree piano writing in this, the first of two concertos he wrote for piano and orchestra. The second movement, in particular, is ravishing.
Recommended recording:
Krystian Zimerman (piano), Polish Festival Orchestra
DG 459 6842
Ballades
Chopin puts his heart and soul into these astonishingly powerful works. Don’t be fooled by the title ‘Ballade’ – all four of them contain music of extreme drama and energy, as well as tenderness and lyricism.
Why not start at the beginning with the first Ballade, which is a perfect summation of Chopin’s genius in this form. Perhaps one of his greatest compositions of all, the Ballade No. 1 combines a dramatic narrative structure with intense emotional gear changes and soaring, lyrical melodies. It will grip you right from that mysterious, expectant opening.
Recommended recording:
Evgeny Kissin (piano)
RCA 09026632592