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 (161–170)
Waltz No. 18 in E-flat major, Op. posth. “Sostenuto”Frederic Chopin
Discovered in a British private collection and published in 1952—more than a hundred years after Frédéric Chopin’s death—Waltz No.
18 in E-flat major, Op.
posth.
Also known by the title “Sostenuto,” this piece is approachable because it contains no major changes or passages requiring advanced technique; at the same time, its very simplicity makes it a work that tests one’s expressiveness.
Incidentally, among Chopin’s waltzes, the highly popular “Grande valse brillante” is Op.
18.
In terms of numbering, it is not No.
18 but “No.
1,” so please be careful not to confuse them!
Waltz No. 19 in A minor, Op. posthumousFrederic Chopin
Composed in Chopin’s later years and published after his death, the Waltz No.
19 in A minor is relatively approachable among Chopin’s waltzes, which vary widely in difficulty.
Because No.
19 has a calm character, the key is to value the horizontal flow and perform it gently.
In the brighter middle section, switch to a lighter touch to bring out the waltz’s triple-meter dance quality.
Use the pedal skillfully to connect the sounds while taking care to avoid muddiness.
Waltz No. 2 in A-flat major, “Grand Waltz”Frederic Chopin
Nicknamed the “Brilliant Grande Valse,” Frédéric Chopin’s Waltz No.
2, Op.
34 No.
1 is a piece many people will recognize, as it’s often performed at concerts and recitals and frequently used in commercials.
Composed by Chopin in 1835, this waltz is striking for its dazzling, lively character.
It’s also highly effective in performance and makes a strong impression, so if you have an opportunity to showcase your piano playing, be sure to give it a try.
Waltz No. 4 in F majorFrederic Chopin
Often called the “Kitten Waltz” for its lively character, the Waltz No.
4 in F major, Op.
34-3 conjures up a playful scene of kittens dashing about.
It’s a charming piece, frequently chosen for recitals and competitions, and is beloved for its strong performance impact.
Play the opening arpeggios boldly and confidently, and render the glittering, intricate right-hand passages with a bright, clear tone.
Keep the left-hand accompaniment light and forward-moving; practice each hand separately with care to achieve that buoyant touch.
Waltz No. 4 in F major, Op. 34-3 “Cat Waltz”Frederic Chopin
Frédéric Chopin’s Waltz No.
4 in F major, Op.
34-3, composed in 1838, is a charming piece also known as the “Cat Waltz,” notable for its endearing melody.
Its appeal lies in a light, slightly mischievous character reminiscent of a cat, while still conveying the refined beauty of classical music.
Performed in a concert hall where the piano’s sound can fully resonate, the elegance of Chopin’s melodies and harmonies will shine even more.
Practice carefully by isolating the sparkling right-hand passages and the lively left-hand accompaniment, and shape them into a performance that captivates the audience!
Waltz No. 6, Op. 64 No. 1 “Minute Waltz”Frederic Chopin
Called the “poet of the piano” and loved by many, Chopin continues to inspire countless young people who admire his music and pursue their dreams.
Among Chopin’s famous works are many pieces that demand advanced technique, but the Waltz No.
6—better known by its nickname, the “Minute Waltz”—is charming and recommended even for intermediate players.
It is said to depict his lover’s pet dog spinning in circles while chasing its own tail.
Since it has the feel of a light, short piece, being able to play it effortlessly would be quite impressive.
Waltz No. 6 in D-flat major, Op. 64 No. 1 “Minute Waltz”Frederic Chopin
The works of Frédéric Chopin, the great composer from Poland, are filled with a charm that is both romantic and simple, making them highly approachable.
This piece is said to musically depict the scene of his lover George Sand’s dog spinning in circles as it chases its own tail.
Its lively and endearing melody evokes the movements of a puppy and lightens the listener’s heart.
Brilliant yet delicate, the piece is immensely popular at recitals and concerts.
Try playing it lightly, imagining the puppy’s motion as you go.
Waltz No. 6 in D-flat major, Op. 64 No. 1 “Minute Waltz”Frederic Chopin
Frédéric Chopin, a composer emblematic of the Romantic era who created unique piano works under diverse influences such as Polish folk music and Parisian salon culture.
Among his waltzes, the highly popular Waltz No.
6 in D-flat major, Op.
64-1, “Minute Waltz,” captivates listeners with its graceful world woven from light, buoyant rhythms and a beautiful melodic line.
Said to be inspired by the playful movements of a small dog, this piece exquisitely fuses charm and virtuosity—a masterpiece recommended to all who study the piano.
Waltz No. 7, Op. 64-2Frederic Chopin
Frédéric Chopin, the great Polish composer renowned for his beautiful melodies.
When it comes to Chopin’s works, many people might think of bright pieces like the “Minute Waltz.” However, he actually produced many darker works as well, and that side of his style is also highly acclaimed.
Among them, one I especially recommend is the “Waltz No.
7 in C-sharp minor, Op.
64 No.
2.” It’s a refined piece that conveys a sense of darkness within the quintessentially Chopinesque beautiful sonority.
Waltz No. 9 in A-flat major, Op. 69 No. 1 “Farewell”Frederic Chopin
Also known by the titles “Farewell Waltz” and “L’Adieu,” the Waltz No.
9 in A-flat major, Op.
69, No.
1 was composed in 1835 and, after Chopin’s death, was edited and published by his friend Julian Fontana.
Its serene character and very relaxed tempo—evoking the peaceful reminiscence of happy memories with a former lover—make it a great recommendation for beginners among Chopin’s waltzes.
Some editions include both Chopin’s original manuscript and Fontana’s edited version, so it can be enjoyable to compare them in performance.