One thing is the tempo of this piece. Some play really slowly, which enhances its expressiveness; others play at normal pace, which is brighter. I wonder which way is the Chopin's way to play this piece though. 

Well, if people don't have any new issues to discuss, then they can find articles on internet or any interesting information about Chopin and post it here   

I've been busy for a while   

I totally agree. I think he wanted to build his image different from the traditional classical performer. But maybe it's the trend to come? Many young pianists nowadays belong to the school of virtuosos not artistry.

Yeah, I'd have to agree. I don't care for Lang Lang too much. He's a "classical music rockstar". Just sits there and shows off, without any attention to what the music is trying to communicate. Sure Liszt was a showoff as well, but his music still communicates something. Lang Lang takes away the musical value and leaves nothing but virtuosity.

Could anyone please show me the chord progression in the left hand of prelude No.4? The two parts are different: the first part has a slower transition while the second part faster.

I'm now trying to memorize the prelude no.4. Can anyone show me how to remember the chord progression in the left hand? I seem to move one or two fingers at a time but then can't get the second part, whose progression is faster. I'll post this one in the Music section.

The pattern actually follows Moscheles [spelling?] Impromptu Op.80. It's weird that both Moscheles and Chopin used Beethoven's pattern. Or that pattern is just so common in musician's mind that they put it down in writing all the time.

Dang's performance was amazing. Look at his fingers!

Hello Miyata, welcome!
My English isn't good either. I play piano for 6 years. I can play some Chopin such as Waltz Op.34 Nr.2, Prelude Nr.4...

Dear All,
I am due to submit a short dissertation on this work and would appreciate any information / analysis of this work to broaden my knowledge.  All information/ links would be gratefully received.  Please post here or email me at simon_payne@ntlworld.com.
thanks,
Simon

I emailed you the analysis of the introduction by Jim Samson. Hope it helps.

Dear All,
I am due to submit a short dissertation on this work and would appreciate any information / analysis of this work to broaden my knowledge.  All information/ links would be gratefully received.  Please post here or email me at simon_payne@ntlworld.com.
thanks,
Simon

This is from the Vancouver Chopin Society

This large-scaled composition is considered one of Chopin's masterpieces. The Fantasy opens with a solemn and mysterious march-like introduction leading to a passionate drama with a central chorale, Lento sostenuto, of unusual serenity. Niecks felt "Chopin's genius had now reached the most perfect stage of its development and was radiating with all the intensity of which its nature was capable."

I'd have to say that I've never heard it before, but I would hate for any pianist to use rubato in a Chopin polonaise, especially the Grande Polonaise Brillante despite it being characteristic of Chopin.  I prefer to think of the polonaises as regal, majestic, stately, march-like, patriotic polonaises (lots of adjectives there :wink:).  Therefore, to me, it's best to see a Polish king filled with patriotism galloping steadily throughout his kingdom, rather than flailing about like a perverted lunatic.  Just my opinion.

You can listen to Cortot's version of Op.22 and let me know your opinion.

http://nt1k23.com/pianists/cort22.mp3

This is fantastic! No word to describe! The more I listen, the more I got addicted to it!!!

How different is Liszt's polonaises from Chopin's? Is it true that Liszt composed only 2 polonaises? I listened to both of them and they seem very poetic but less heroic than Chopin's big polonaises such as Op. 26, 40, 44, 53. They sound more like early polonaises by the young Chopin.

Besides the popular opus numbering, what are other ways? I asked because there is some inconsistency in numbering Chopin's work, sometimes Br, BI, Ch, CT, CI, KI, KK

PJF, where are you? We miss you and your analysis!!! :oops:

In Chopin music topic, we were talking about the strange ornament in nocturne op.72-1 and I mentioned not in favor of Arrau's playing the nocturnes.

Has anybody listened to Maria Joao Pires version by DG? I say that they're very emotional but one of my friends said that they're are so aggressive and even vulgar  :shock: