Chopin, Polonaise in A-Flat, op. 53 The Polonaise is a stately processional dance used in various ceremonial occasions, but particularly in weddings. It has its roots in Polish folk music with melodies consisting of short phrases typically cast in triple meter. In its earliest forms … Read more
Chopin, Étude in G Flat Major What makes Chopin’s 27 études stand out from those of his predecessors? Études (“studies”) had been written before Chopin’s time. Clementi and Czerny, for example, had written études in the 18th century designed to help piano students build dexterity and … Read more
What’s this program about? Chopin would have been surprised at the idea of a solo piano recital in a concert hall. Professor Carol talks about the programming of recitals and works of Bach-Busoni, Beethoven, Chopin, and Debussy. Works Discussed: Bach-Busoni Chorale Preludes; Beethoven Sonata No. … Read more
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What’s this program about? In post-revolutionary France, the piano had replaced the harpsichord and the driving force behind the arts was moving from the court to the salons of Paris high society. Two composers, Liszt and Chopin, capitalized on these http://traffic.libsyn.com/professorcarol/cliburn_pd7.mp3Podcast: Play in new window … Read more
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What’s this program about? A ballad tells a story, and this popular literary form was appropriated by Romantic composers into songs. Carol explains how the ballad was transformed by Chopin into solo piano works. Works Discussed: Chopin, Ballade No. 4 in F Minor; Chopin, Impromptu … Read more
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