Chopin Preludes
Frederic Chopin 1810-1849 was a virtuosic pianist and composer of the Romantic Era who wrote primarily for solo piano. His piano pieces include Mazurkas (dances), Nocturnes (evening pieces), Waltz (dances), Preludes, (introductory pieces) and Etudes (study pieces). This is Chopin’s Prelude in E Minor Op. 28, No. 4. It’s characterized by a continuous pedaling, repeated chordal base, lyric melody, rubato, and dramatic dynamic changes.
Julie Chambers, piano and voice teacher, playing Chopin’s Prelude in E minor.
Waltz
A waltz is a musical piece in triple meter characterized by a strong weak weak feeling to the listener and performer. These are typically performed for ballroom dancing. Chopin waltzes, however, were designed for concert performances instead of dances.
Mazurka
A Mazurka is a Polish folk dance in triple meter. Most music we listen to is in duple meter with two or four beats in each measure. If we hear a piece in triple meter it usually is a waltz with a strong beat on beat one and two weaker beats on two and three. A Mazurka has a stronger beat on beats two and/or three asystematically.
Prelude
A Prelude is an introductory piece of music most commonly used before a church service. There are numerous from the baroque era preceding a fugue. These are also used prior to the opening of an opera. Chopin preludes are a little different than the typical prelude because they were written to be stand alone pieces. Chopin wrote a set of 24 preludes in all major and minor keys and three other preludes.
Etudes
An etude is a musical work designed to build skill and technique in a particular area. Chopin etudes require strong technique and skill. Rather than sound like a simple exercise, his etudes are stunning virtuosic anthems.
Frederic Chopin 1810-1849
Nocturnes
A Nocturne is a musical work inspired by night. The Chopin Nocturnes consist of 21 pieces for piano solo. These demonstrate the typical music styles of the romantic era incorporating virtuosic techniques, extreme dynamic and tempo changes, and rubato.
