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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)

Etude No. 13 in A-flat major, Op. 25 No. 1 “Aeolian Harp”Frederic Chopin

Chopin – Étude Op. 25 No. 1 “Aeolian Harp” – Classical Piano – CANACANA
Etude No. 13 in A-flat major, Op. 25 No. 1 “Aeolian Harp”Frederic Chopin

This piece, which evokes the breath of spring, is characterized by a succession of flowing arpeggios.

The unceasing stream of notes in the right hand resembles the sound of a harp swaying in the wind.

Interwoven within it is a delicate melody spun by the left hand, calling to mind a pastoral landscape.

Composed between 1836 and 1837, this work, while a technical étude, pursues profound musical expression.

The performance time is about two minutes and thirty seconds, yet within that brief span, artistry and virtuosity are condensed.

It is recommended not only for piano students but also for anyone seeking solace in beautiful music.

Chopin’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (121–130)

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.

12 Etudes, Op. 10 No. 2Frederic Chopin

Dmitry Shishkin – Etude in A minor Op. 10 No. 2 (first stage)
12 Etudes, Op. 10 No. 2Frederic Chopin

Among Frédéric Chopin’s works, the masterpiece Twelve Études is said to boast one of the highest levels of difficulty.

This time, I would like to introduce Étude Op.

10 No.

2 from that set.

Although its performative impact is not especially large, it is known for being extremely difficult.

The key point of this piece is, above all, the opening section: because the 1st and 2nd fingers must hold chords, the remaining 3rd–5th fingers have to play the other parts.

For these reasons, it is known as a high-difficulty piece that demands innate hand size and supple fingers.

12 Etudes Op. 25, No. 10Frederic Chopin

2021 PTNA Special Grade Second Round – Chopin: Études, No. 10, Op. 25-10, CT 35 – Piano: Reo Gojo
12 Etudes Op. 25, No. 10Frederic Chopin

Even when we say a piano piece is difficult, the nature of that difficulty varies widely.

There are pieces that demand rapid fingerwork with dense notes, or great stamina, among other challenges.

But perhaps the most straightforward marker of high difficulty is, after all, octaves.

Chopin’s masterpiece Étude Op.

25, No.

10 is a work in which octaves pose a major challenge.

Because it’s hard to play without solid hand positioning, it’s an ideal piece for gauging a performer’s fundamental level.

12 Etudes, Op. 25 No. 11 “Winter Wind”Frederic Chopin

Alongside Étude Op.

25 No.

6, Chopin’s Étude Op.

25 No.

11 “Winter Wind” ranks among his most technically demanding works.

Also known as the “Winter Wind Étude,” its difficulty is quite straightforward: the relentless rapid sixteenth notes make it hard to play.

For those who struggle with finger independence, it may feel extraordinarily difficult; however, for others, the frequent repetition means it may not seem as challenging as Op.

25 No.

6.

12 Etudes, Op. 25 No. 12 “Ocean”Frederic Chopin

Szymon Nehring – Etude in C minor Op. 25 No. 12 (third stage)
12 Etudes, Op. 25 No. 12 “Ocean”Frederic Chopin

Chopin’s masterpiece, the 12 Etudes.

Though they are etudes, the music has remarkable depth, and combined with their high performance impact, these works are held in very high esteem.

Among them, I’d like to introduce No.

12 from Op.

25, the “Ocean” Etude.

In terms of difficulty, it’s perhaps on the lower end of the advanced level.

It isn’t absurdly difficult, but the arpeggios played with both hands are quite challenging.

It’s a dazzling and beautiful piece, so be sure to check it out.

12 Etudes Op. 25-6Frederic Chopin

Yukio Yokoyama: Three Etudes — Chopin: Etude Op. 25 No. 6, Overhead Camera Angle
12 Etudes Op. 25-6Frederic Chopin

Frédéric Chopin, the great French composer who created many beautiful masterpieces.

He is also known for having produced numerous difficult works, and among them, the Étude Op.

25 No.

6 boasts one of the highest levels of difficulty.

The most challenging aspects of this piece are undoubtedly the right-hand trills in thirds and the chromatic scales in thirds.

Thirds are difficult enough as it is, but in this work you must also play a dramatic melody with the left hand in addition to the thirds.

The difficulty is considerable, but if you’re confident in your skills, by all means give it a try.