Chopin

Chopin - Fantasie-Impromptu in C-Sharp Minor (Op. 66)

Walkthrough

A series of detailed video demonstrations on solving the various challenges posed by Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu, with a special focus on the three-against-four polyrhythm.... Read >>

Chopin - Nocturne in E-flat (Op. 9 No. 2)

Op. 9, no. 2

Frédéric Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Op. 9 No. 2, has long been a favourite of both pianists and audiences with it's richly-ornamented melody, supported by exquisite harmonies in the left hand. This From the Ground Up walk-through provides a detailed guide to learning this piece efficiently and with understanding and... Read >>

Chopin - Mazurka in G minor (Op. 67 No. 2)

ABRSM Grade 6 – B1

The mazurka is based on the Polish folk dance that originated in Mazovia, near Warsaw. Chopin wrote more than 50 mazurkas and listening to a variety of them will help develop a sense of the characteristic style. This example, in G minor, was written in the last year of Chopin’s life (1849). Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2022, Grade 6 is available from the ABRSM online shop here. Click here to view open domain editions for these works (external link).... Read >>

Chopin - Fantasie-Impromptu in C-Sharp Minor (Op. 66)

Annotated Study Edition

Chopin’s Fantasie-Impromptu (Op. Post. 66) is one of the most popular works in the piano repertoire and many pianists attempt it before they are ready for the challenges it poses. This collection of resources accompanies our study edition for the work and features detailed annotations, additional video demonstrations and practice... Read >>

Chopin - Mazurka in A minor (Op.17 No. 4)

ABRSM Grade 8 - B5

A ravishing melody floats in the air above the left hand’s meandering harmonies, creating a haunting, melancholy atmosphere. The second section invites us to a rustic dance but even though the music has now moved to the major key the colour remains dark, the bass drone keeping us grounded. The piece finishes with the same progression of chords that we heard at the start, and because Chopin does not resolve it onto the tonic chord we are left hanging in the air.... Read >>

Chopin - Mazurka in A Minor, Op. 68 No. 2

ABRSM Grade 7 - B1

The mazurka is a stylised Polish folk dance in triple meter, usually at a lively tempo, with strong accents on the second or third beat. Chopin wrote over 50 mazurkas and this is an example of a slower one - there needs to be some leeway with the prescribed metronome speed of 116, given the lento marking. Sad and wistful in character, the mood changes when the music moves briefly into C major, requiring a new colour. The middle section in the brighter key of A major requires a flexible approach to the new (faster) tempo. Pedal markings require some... Read >>

Chopin - Nocturne in C-sharp Minor (Op. Posth.)

Chopin wrote the Nocturne in C-sharp minor, op. posth. in 1830, but it was only published in 1870. He dedicated the work to his sister, Ludwika “as an exercise before beginning the study of my second Concerto". This series of articles provides a comprehensive walkthrough and detailed practice worksheets for... Read >>

Chopin - Sostenuto in E flat

ABRSM Grade 5 – B1

Chopin's Sostenuto in E flat or Waltz in E flat was discovered as recently as 1941, by the Director of the Paris Conservatoire, Dr. Jacques Chailley. There are precious few works of Chopin that are suitable for the intermediate level pianist, so Grade V candidates will be extremely happy to... Read >>

Chopin - Waltz in E Minor (Op. Posth.)

Chopin’s brilliant Waltz in E minor is justly popular with pianists entering the advanced level. This From the Ground Up edition helps students to lay a solid musical and technical foundation for learning the piece efficiently and quickly, with particular attention given to using rhythmic practice to solve technical challenges.... Read >>