RAG MusicClassic
Lovely classics

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.

Chopin’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (111–120)

Waltz Op. 64 No. 1 “Minute (Little Dog) Waltz”Frederic Chopin

This waltz is said to depict the scene of a puppy owned by Chopin’s lover spinning around as it chases its tail.

Rather than “twirling,” though, my impression when listening is of a melody that lightly tumbles along, as if rolling playfully.

It evokes a moment in an elegant court, inviting you to sink into that refined mood.

Etude Op. 10 No. 12 “Revolutionary”Frederic Chopin

Revolutionary Etude (Chopin) – Chopin: Étude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12 “Revolutionary”
Etude Op. 10 No. 12 “Revolutionary”Frederic Chopin

Frédéric Chopin is a great composer who created many masterpieces with his fantastical and distinctive compositions.

Among his astonishing number of celebrated works, the one I especially recommend is Etude Op.

10 No.

12, “Revolutionary.” Its greatest appeal lies in the intensely dramatic melody that bursts forth right from the opening.

It’s such a famous piece that almost everyone has heard it at least once, but if you listen closely, you’ll be struck anew by its overwhelming power.

Be sure to check it out.

Waltz Op. 64, No. 2Frederic Chopin

EVGENY KISSIN plays CHOPIN Waltz Op.64 n.2
Waltz Op. 64, No. 2Frederic Chopin

In contrast to the Minute (Puppy) Waltz, this waltz is striking for its dark, heavy atmosphere.

Yet even within the darkness, hints of elegance flicker, and to me it evokes an almost nocturne-like mood—an enchanting, dreamlike piece.

Because it doesn’t demand exceptionally high technical skill, it is also a frequently performed classic in concert settings.

Prelude “Raindrop”Frederic Chopin

Tomoharu Ushida – Chopin: Prelude No. 15 “Raindrop”
Prelude “Raindrop”Frederic Chopin

The piece with a beautifully striking opening, Prelude “Raindrop,” is by Chopin.

It’s a calm and serene work that almost lets you hear the gentle patter of falling rain.

Its romantic, tender quality that softly comforts the heart is quintessentially Chopin of the Romantic era.

A perfect recommendation for a rainy afternoon.

Impromptu No. 3, Op. 51Frederic Chopin

Vladimir Davidovich Ashkenazy is a Russian pianist who is also known as a conductor.

He currently holds Icelandic citizenship and resides in Switzerland.

This is a performance of Chopin’s Impromptu No.

3.

The light, nimble fingerwork is delightful to watch.

Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. 66Frederic Chopin

Vladimir Ashkenazy Frederic Chopin Fantaisie-Impromptu, Op. 66 – Ashkenazy, Chopin, Fantaisie-Impromptu (Impromptu No. 4) in C-sharp minor
Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. 66Frederic Chopin

If we’re talking about the most famous piece in the piano classical repertoire, it might well be this one.

It’s a simple three-part composition, yet it seems a shame that only the fast melodies of the first and last sections are widely celebrated.

The true essence of Chopin lies in the luscious timbre of the middle section, and listening to the entire piece will surely move you with its otherworldly lyricism.

Etudes, Op. 10 No. 5 “Black Keys”Frederic Chopin

Black Key Etude / Etude Op. 10 No. 5 / Chopin / Piano / CANACANA
Etudes, Op. 10 No. 5 “Black Keys”Frederic Chopin

Frédéric Chopin’s Etudes are renowned for both their artistry and high level of difficulty.

Étude Op.

10, No.

5, “Black Keys,” is also known as the “Black Key Étude” and is one of the most famous pieces in the set.

Mastering the melody that races across the black keys requires a considerable amount of practice, but by working carefully and steadily, you can acquire the techniques needed to handle a variety of challenging pieces packed with rapid passages.

While it’s a piece geared toward advanced players, if you can play the piano, actively take on the challenge to refine your technique! With a performance time of just under two minutes and high musical value as a work of art, it’s also short and easy to listen to.