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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 (251–260)

Ocean EtudeFrederic Chopin

Chopin – Etude “Ocean” Op. 25 No. 12, Frédéric Chopin Etude Ocean Op. 25 No. 12
Ocean EtudeFrederic Chopin

It’s not very well-known, but this is the final piece among Chopin’s 24 Études.

As the subtitle “Ocean” suggests, it evokes a sense of the sea’s grandeur and majesty.

It’s a study piece for developing rapid playing, employing advanced techniques in both hands.

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

Kate Liu – Etude in G flat major Op. 10 No. 5 (first stage)
Etude Op. 10, No. 5 “Black Keys”Frederic Chopin

Frédéric Chopin was a Polish-born composer who was active in France.

One of his signature works is No.

5 from the Études Op.

10, which features the black keys as its main focus.

It’s also known as the “Black Key Étude.” Although it was written as a study to develop piano technique, its high musicality has made it a popular piece frequently performed in concerts.

The light, glittering melody in the right hand seems to dance across the black keys.

Just listening to it lifts your spirits, filling you with a bright, positive feeling.

It’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to fully enjoy the piano’s brilliance.

Chopin’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (261–270)

Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23Frederic Chopin

Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Chopin’s Ballade No.1 in G minor, Op.23
Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23Frederic Chopin

Among Chopin’s works, the Ballade No.

1 in G minor, Op.

23 is especially famous for its demanding right-hand part.

Except for the opening and the ending, it’s largely written in 6/4 time—in other words, the “Zun-ta-ta” rhythm.

On top of this rhythm, the right hand unfolds a melody with many off-beat accents.

In the first place, 6/4 is not a familiar meter for many Japanese listeners, and maintaining this pulse while playing a complex melody is challenging in itself.

As for the coda, it’s tremendously effective in performance, but correspondingly formidable in difficulty, so be sure to listen with the ending in mind.

Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35, Fourth MovementFrederic Chopin

Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 2 “Funeral March” – IV. Movement / Masataka Goto (pf)
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35, Fourth MovementFrederic Chopin

Chopin’s masterpiece with a strikingly independent structure, the Piano Sonata No.

2 in B-flat minor, Op.

35: IV.

Finale, is notable for its intense, heavy atmosphere characteristic of works in B-flat minor.

It is known as one of the more technically demanding pieces among Chopin’s works, with the second movement rated at an advanced level of difficulty.

Because the piece requires not only speed but also powerful playing, it is considered quite challenging.

Its strong performance impact also makes it enjoyable simply as a work to listen to.

Be sure to check it out.

Grand WaltzFrederic Chopin

Grande Valse brillante, Op. 18 (Chopin) Ayumi Yokouchi
Grand WaltzFrederic Chopin

It’s a famous Grande Valse.

Despite its glamorous sound, it’s relatively easy to play, so it’s often performed at recitals.

However, the repeated notes that appear midway are somewhat advanced, and the left-hand jumps are easy to miss, so repeated practice is necessary.

Military PolonaiseFrederic Chopin

Military Polonaise – Chopin, Polonaise Op. 40 No. 1 “Militaire”
Military PolonaiseFrederic Chopin

Because it is less difficult than the Heroic Polonaise, it is a piece children enjoy playing at recitals and similar events.

It conveys a resolute, military atmosphere, and it also clearly expresses the unique charm of the Polish polonaise.

The left-hand accompaniment is distinctive.

Waltz No. 10 in B minor, Op. 69, No. 2Frederic Chopin

Chopin #4 – Waltz Op. 69 No. 2: Chopin / Waltz No. 10
Waltz No. 10 in B minor, Op. 69, No. 2Frederic Chopin

Waltz No.

10 in B minor, Op.

posth.

69-2 is a work brimming with hope from when the young Chopin was about 19–20 years old.

It was discovered after Chopin’s death by his friend Fontana and published as part of his posthumous works.

Within the “Waltz,” the brilliance in which his unique individuality shines is remarkable.