Frédéric Chopin – a bicentenary focus - Page 5

A guide to the composer, his works and the essential recordings

Frédéric Chopin (photo: Tully Potter)

Nocturnes (1827-46)

Here is another musical form developed by Chopin. The term nocturne was first coined (in musical terms) by the Irish composer and pianist John Field in 1814, but Chopin “invested it with an elegance and depth of meaning which had never been given to it before”, as the critic James Huneker wrote. The most popular (probably the most popular of all of Chopin’s compositions) is No 2 in E flat, Op 9 No 2. But, like the Etudes, whichever one you alight on will be an exquisite gem – and quite unlike the previous one. 

Recommended recordings

Pires (DG) Buy CD from Amazon

D’Ascoli (Athene) Buy CD from Amazon

Rubinstein (Naxos) Download from Passionato

Piano Concerto No 1 in E minor (1830)

Chopin composed two piano concertos. Both date from early in his career (1829 and 1830). This one in E minor was the second to be written but the first to be published and so designated No 1. In a letter to his friend Titus Wojciechowski, Chopin described the slow movement (Romanza) as, “intended to convey the impression one receives when gazing on a beautiful landscape that evokes in the soul beautiful memories – for example, on a fine moonlit spring night.” The first performance took place in Chopin’s home city of Warsaw on October 11, 1830. It was a huge success: “I was not in the least nervous,” wrote Chopin, “But played as I do when I am by myself.” It was the last time he played in Poland. Three weeks later, Chopin left, never to return. He was then just 20.

Recommended recordings

Pollini; Philharmonia / Kletzki (EMI) Download from Passionato

Argerich; Montreal SO / Dutoit (EMI) Download from Passionato

Rubinstein; LAPO / Wallenstein, NBC SO / Steinberg (Naxos) Download from Amazon Buy CD from Presto Classical