The triumphs of Frederick Chopin established the fundation of the piano literacy for the Romantic period.
At age 6, Chopin was already playing and composing piano pieces. A year later, he had published his first composition and began performing in salons and writing compositions like the Polonaise in G minor. At age 17, Chopin went to Vienna to gain a broader musical experience.
A while later he had an increase in income which allowed him to live well and compose pieces such as the Nocturnes of opus. 9 and 15, the Scherzo in B-flat minor, Opus. 31 and the Sonata in B-flat minor, Op. 35.
In 1831 Chopin composed the etude in C minor or Revolutionary. It was Chopin’s reflection of emotion when he heard Poland’s revolution against Russia.
In 1832, Chopin composed etude Op. 10 no. 3, later known as Tristesse, and published in 1833. “Tristesse”, meaning sadness, was not named by the composer himself. It was given that name because of the beautiful and melancholy melody of the song. It is highly regarded as Chopin’s love for his home country.
Fantaise impromptu was written in 1834 but was not published until after Chopin died by Julian Fontana. It is unknown why Chopin never released it. Fantaise impromptu became a well known piece and is still performed frequently by professional piano players.
From 1839-1846, Chopin steadily composed a series of masterpieces such as the opus 55 Nocturnes and the opus 56 mazurkas.
I love to play Chopin’s songs and he is definitely my favorite composer (one of my favorites, there’s a lot of great composers out there). I have recorded myself playing some of his songs and you can find them in the Bunny Music Hall. Op.10 No3 Tristesse, Fantaisie Impromptu Op.66, and Polonaise Op.40 are some of the few that I have recorded.
