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 (211–220)
Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9 No. 2Frederic Chopin
The next piece I’ll introduce is slightly more challenging.
Frédéric Chopin’s famous Nocturne in E-flat major, Op.
9 No.
2 is generally considered an advanced, difficult work, but there are editions of the score that even beginners can play.
I’ll be explaining it on the assumption that you’re using one of those editions, so take note! The key to practicing this piece is to work on each hand separately.
Practice the right hand and left hand on their own, then put them together.
By repeating this process, you can achieve a cohesive performance.
It’s a somewhat difficult piece, but I encourage you to give it a try.
Prelude No. 15 in 24 Preludes “Raindrop”Frederic Chopin
Frédéric Chopin, a leading composer of the early Romantic era and the “poet of the piano” born in Poland.
Especially in Japan, he remains dearly loved by both listeners and performers, making him an exceptionally popular classical composer.
Beyond his achievements in expanding the possibilities of the piano, his beautifully melancholic melodies continue to captivate Japanese hearts.
The piece introduced here is one of Chopin’s signature works, known in Japan as “Raindrop”: Prelude No.
15 from the 24 Preludes, Op.
28.
As the title suggests, it depicts the sound of falling rain through piano keystrokes, making it an ideal classical work to savor while gazing out the window at the long autumn rains as the heat of midsummer fades.
Nocturne No. 1Frederic Chopin
“Nocturne” is called “yasoukyoku” (night piece) in Japanese.
Chopin’s nocturnes are said to be strongly influenced by the Irish composer John Field.
They often use a technique in which the right hand sings a sweet, sentimental melody over a stereotypical left-hand accompaniment.
It is as if the endlessly flowing, luscious melodies are written down just as they pour forth, making these works the ones that best reflect the side of Chopin known as the “poet of the piano.” With their dimly lit mood and exquisitely romantic, beautiful melodies, they are very accessible and approachable pieces.
Nocturne No. 2, Op. 9 No. 2Frederic Chopin
Among Chopin’s 21 Nocturnes, this is the most famous.
The left hand maintains the same accompaniment pattern throughout, over which the right hand sings the melody.
The beautiful melody is aria-like, and Chopin—who loved vocal music—actively incorporated contemporary operatic aria performance practices into piano playing.
Owing to its captivating beauty, numerous arrangements for violin, cello, and voice, among others, were produced after Chopin’s death.
Chopin’s Masterpieces. Popular Classical Music (221–230)
Waltz No. 7Frederic Chopin
It is a beautiful masterpiece by Chopin, a composer emblematic of the Romantic era.
Composed between 1846 and 1847, this piece showcases advanced techniques that push the limits of the piano and shines with a distinctive poetic sensibility.
Consisting of three main themes, its shifts in tempo and key captivate listeners.
The melody, where elegance and passion intersect, unfolds as if weaving a story.
Many will find themselves entranced by the delicate emotional expression Chopin infused into each note.
It’s a recommended piece for those who want to become familiar with classical music or spend a quiet, reflective moment.
Prelude Op. 28 No. 24 in D minorFrederic Chopin
Beginning with a flowing melody, Prelude in D minor, Op.
28 No.
24 is one of the 24 preludes.
It fully showcases the distinctive qualities of its composer, Frédéric Chopin.
Chopin was slight in build with small hands.
Making the most of that, he performed fast pieces with nobility and elegance.
The frequent appearance of sweet phrases is also quintessentially Chopin.
This piece is often performed in recitals.
Since Chopin’s works are used in competitions and the like, pianists are encouraged to give them a try.
Etude Op. 10 No. 1 in C majorFrederic Chopin
An etude completed in 1830 by Chopin, the poet of the piano.
It is said to be one of the most difficult pieces to perform among Chopin’s études, and it places tremendous pressure on the pianist.
The Ashkenazy performance introduced here is by a pianist renowned for his virtuosity.
It has an incredible sense of speed, and the dramatic contrasts in tone are overwhelming.