Here's a quick introduction to the major types of music that the Polish composer Frédéric Chopin wrote. What's a prelude? Where is the word 'nocturne' from? What about a polonaise? Find out all this and more about the great musical pieces Chopin left the world when he died at only 39.
Prelude: Chopin wrote 24 preludes, one in every major and minor key. In music, preludes used to be short introductions but Chopin made them into a self-contained musical form, exploring a mood or emotion. Listen to his most famous prelude No 4 with its tender melody played for us by Paul Richardson (baby)
Nocturne: The word nocturne comes from the word ‘night’, originally describing music inspired by twilight and darkness and it has a tranquil, reflective mood. Chopin wrote 21 nocturnes with the right hand playing the melody and the left hand accompanying with broken chords. Check out Nocturne No 2 played by Paul Richardson.
Chopin wrote 12 études which are among his most technically difficult pieces. You can listen to Etude No 3.
Waltz: The waltz was a popular dance form when Chopin was alive . He wrote 36 waltzes in 3/4 time, not for dancing but for concert performance. Check out Esther Abrami playing Waltz no 1 in A minor.
Polonaise and Mazurka: Loving his homeland, it’s not surprising that Polish dances inspired Chopin.
The polonaise which is the French word for Polish was a popular student dance back in the day. Chopin wrote his first polonaise when he was 7 and wrote 17 more during his life. Here’s his Military polonaise played by Luis Sarro.
The mazurka is another polish dance with a strong beat, whirling music and sudden stops. Check out his mazurka in D Major played by Christoph Zbinden.
In Chopin, music found a pianist and composer with rare gifts - his unique sense of melody and his ability to express heartfelt emotions with such purity and tenderness means that he lives on through his music and will never be forgotten.
Негізгі бет A guide to Chopin's music
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