Chopin’s masterpieces. Popular classical music.
Are you looking for famous piano pieces and beautiful melodies?
Here are some masterpieces and recommended works by Frédéric Chopin, a pianist and composer who represents the early Romantic era in Poland.
Chopin composed as many as 21 nocturnes, and he also left a wealth of piano works in many other styles—such as mazurkas, waltzes, and polonaises—which is why he is known as the Poet of the Piano.
Let yourself be captivated for a while by the beautiful melodies woven by Chopin.
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Chopin’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (91–100)
Nocturne No. 20, KK IVa/16 “Posthumous”Frederic Chopin
Frédéric Chopin’s Nocturne No.
20 in C-sharp minor, KK.
IVa/16 (“posthumous”), which drew attention for its performance scene in the film The Pianist, was in fact composed not in his later years but when Chopin was around 20.
It bears the label “posthumous” because it was published after his death, in 1875.
Its haunting, unforgettable melody captures the hearts of many and stands as a classic masterpiece.
Performed with deep emotion on a recital stage, it is sure to draw the audience in.
Nocturne No. 20 in C-sharp minor, KK. IVa/16 “Posthumous”Frederic Chopin
Set against a left-hand arpeggiated accompaniment, the right hand sings a sweet, sentimental melody—an outstanding example of the talent of Chopin, known as the “poet of the piano.” Around the time he composed this piece, Chopin was deeply in love with a young soprano, Konstancja Gładkowska.
However, because she was the daughter of a palace official and of high social standing, he never confessed his feelings, and his first love is said to have come to an end.
This work captures the tenderness and poignancy of unrequited love.
Nocturne No. 20 in C-sharp minor, Op. posth.Frederic Chopin
Nocturne No.
20 in C-sharp minor, Op.
posth., is marked by a bittersweet yet beautiful melody characteristic of Frédéric Chopin.
It is said to have been composed around 1830, when Chopin was about twenty, as a piece for his elder sister to practice the Piano Concerto No.
2.
If you’re a film lover, you may also remember it from the acclaimed movie The Pianist, where it features prominently.
Interestingly, this piece is also believed to have been written during the time Chopin harbored unrequited feelings for the soprano Konstancja Gładkowska.
The wave-like, undulating melody that conveys passion and melancholy in love may well reflect the emotions of the young Chopin.
Etude Op. 10 No. 12 “Revolutionary”Frederic Chopin
The Étude Op.
10 No.
12 “Revolutionary” launches with a fierce opening, and the rushing storm of sound that follows is truly worthy of the title “Revolutionary.” The slight-of-stature Frédéric Chopin—Chopin—turned his small hands into an advantage, excelling at intricate, fast pieces.
It’s an overwhelming and thrilling work.
Please give it a listen.
Ballade No. 1Frederic Chopin
If I were asked what Chopin’s greatest masterpiece is, I would unhesitatingly point to this piece.
It’s also a famous work whose name spread rapidly in figure skating after Mao Asada used it.
It’s a piece that epitomizes Chopin’s essence—a ballade that feels as if you could grasp his very character just by listening to it.
Polonaise No. 13 in A-flat major (posthumous)Frederic Chopin
Among Chopin’s works, the Polonaise No.
13 in A-flat major (posthumous) is frequently performed at recitals.
Known for its brilliance on stage, it combines the flair of a festive dance with strong performance impact.
While not particularly difficult technically, it is filled with fundamental piano techniques that are important in the course of study.
Once you become accustomed to the distinctive polonaise rhythm that begins at measure 47, it becomes much easier to play.
When practicing, be sure to drill the rhythm through repeated practice.
Polonaise No. 6 in A-flat major, Op. 53 “Heroic”Frederic Chopin
One of the most popular of Frédéric Chopin’s piano works, affectionately known as the “Heroic Polonaise.” Its chromatic rising motion and powerful rhythms leave a strong impression.
Above all, the hallmark is the continuous octaves in the middle section! Even professionals find this passage difficult to execute perfectly, so beyond steady practice, it’s essential to find ways to play without tension.
If you want to explore Chopin’s masterpieces, a good approach is to start with an arrangement that omits the octave technique to enjoy the character of the piece, and then, once your technique improves, challenge the original version.