… Without Chopin the music of the second half of the 19th century is hardly imaginable." In Lang's view, although Chopin's imitators filled the rest of the century, he was inimitable, as his independence transcended the forms of the past to create a higher law of structure based on a fantastic blend of undeniable melody and multi-hued harmony. In his comprehensive Music in Western Civilization Paul Henry Lang, hardly effusive with praise, hails Chopin as "one of the most original and remarkable geniuses in musical history. The accolades hardly dissipated following Chopin's vastly premature death in 1849, in his fortieth year. … You listened to the improvisation of a poem." It seems to descend from heaven – so pure and spiritual. Listening to him, one feels suspended somewhere between heaven and earth." Charles Hallé: "There is nothing to remind one that it is a human being who produces this music. Thus Franz Liszt, an ardent admirer, Chopin's first biographer, only peer and arguably the most famous pianist of the time: "Such a poetic temperament as Chopin's never existed, nor have I heard such delicacy and refinement of playing." Antoine Marmontel: He "envelopes melodic phrases and ingenious arabesques in a half-tint which has something of both dream and reality." Elizavieta Cheriemietieff: "He has discovered how to give the piano a soul. Perhaps the ultimate tribute to his distinction and proof of his influence is the prominence his music holds in the core repertoire of nearly every great pianist and its inclusion in the programs of so many recitals.Ĭhopin's impact on those who heard him perform was mesmeric. Many composers contributed mightily to the art and prominence of the piano, but none as much as Frédéric Chopin. Finally, we suggest some sources for further information.įor the entire 19th century and much of the 20th the piano was the most popular of all instruments – although lacking others' portability, no respectable home lacked one.
After considering Chopin's own performing style, we survey how famous pianists have interpreted the Waltzes on record – first some pioneering recordings of individual waltzes, and then some of the most significant sets of the complete waltzes. In this appraisal, we review the composer's significance, the background development of the waltz, and how Chopin transformed it to suit his own creative needs. Frédéric Chopin's Waltzes are among his most fascinating compositions, as they display his unique talent within the stricture of established form.
0 kommentar(er)
