Chopin is a pianist of conviction.

He composes for himself, plays for himself and everyone listens with interest, with delight, with infinite pleasure Nothing indeed equals the lightness and sweetness of his preluding on the piano, nothing compares with his works in originality, distinction and grace. Chopin is unique as a pianisthe should not and cannot be compared with anyone. (La France Musicale, ) During the Romantic Period Chopin was considered one of the greatest composers. Even throughout the 21st century Chopin is still renowned, not just as a musician but as an artist. His unique ability to think beyond established conventions was responsible for a major shift in piano music, sculpting it to what we know today. What makes his work so accessible is that he is able to capture and evoke emotion in a way which is universal. His genius lay in creating a new way of writing for the piano. Romanticism as a musical style was developed in the 1820s and lasted until the turn of the century. It was a time when there was a developing appreciation for aesthetic work particularly in art and music. As a result, this revolution altered music forever, incorporating a new depth in expression and emotion. A universal paradigm shift had been created and music would never be the same again. One of the reasons Romantic music was easier to relate to and more accessible than Classical music lies in the fact that it portrays the raw emotion experienced by the artist. The focus was now on the intensity of the composers experience instead of an idea or something abstract. (Ainsley, 1999) For the first time, a meaning or implied story beyond musicality had been given to music, meaning that was not always positive or calming for the listener but rather created to stir up a range of feelings and create drama. An accentuation on realism as opposed to standardized ideals of beauty was also a significant change: the natural world was considered less a model of perfection and more a source of mysterious powers. (Essentials of Music, 2010) These developments had a profound effect on the work of the composer. In particular, there was a dramatic shift in human understanding of what could be achieved in music. Romanticism was the period where dynamics become more significant, there was a greater variety of instruments, dissonant harmonies were heard, tempos were played with and melodies become more lyrical. (Essentials of Music, 2010) One man personifies this deepening understanding of the potential of music: Polish Composer, Frederic Chopin. Born in 1810, Chopin was one of the most iconic artists of the Romantic period, and indeed, of any period. Despite his short lived career he is considered a genius, and one of the most unique musical minds of all time. Instead of writing for an orchestra or group of instruments he focused almost entirely on composing masteries for the piano. He was among one of the first to recognise the potential of the piano and compose music which took full advantage of its range and capability, taking piano to a whole new level. (Tames, 1992) In order for you to appreciate the difference in Chopins musical style, Id like to play two short excerpts one from the Baroque period and one of Chopins. Hopefully, you can hear the difference. One music critic stated that Chopins soaring melodies, daring discords and long sustained lines along with generous splashes

of ornamentation are what makes his pieces immortal as well as compelling. (Stanley, 1994) Chopins range of work is enormous. Most of his works are miniatures, usually nocturnes, ballades, preludes, etudes, scherzos and mazurkas and although was not the inventor of these forms, he undoubtedly made them his own. Perhaps his most famous pieces include The Revolutionary Etude, Funeral March, Fantasie Impromptu and Nocturne in E-flat Major Op. 9. His inspiration is said to come from Bach and Mozart in their considerable fluency in handling of form, along with John Field who was the first to establish the term nocturne. (Gerasimov, 2010) It is undeniable that Chopin has created a legacy influencing many generations of composers for the piano. Furthermore, he has infinite admirers. Arthur Rubinstein stated that Chopin was a genius of universal appeal. His music conquers the most diverse audiences. When the first notes of Chopin sound through the concert hall there is a happy sigh of recognition. All over the word men and women know his music. They love it. They are moved by it. . Chopin endures. His music is the universal language of human communication. When I play Chopin I know I speak directly to the hearts of people. (cited by Chopin Society, 2010) Through his compositions, Chopin successfully produced a range of new colours, harmonies and means of expression which exploited every facet of new development in piano construction. (Nicholas, 1996) His ability to provide inexhaustible emotion is what makes audiences succumb to his work. There are a number of compositional techniques and styles which are significant when examining how Chopin created this new found voice for the piano. Central to his brilliance was his ability to manipulate musical elements in his work to achieve a pleasing whole. He is particularly noted for his rubato style, meaning that the tempo in the right hand is played quite freely and the pace often changes. This contrasts with the role of the left hand, which is to keep a steady pace securely on the beat. Chopins harmonies support the lyrical nature of the melody and have been characterised as the essence of genius in transforming these into great art. (Osborne, 1984) Providing texture, he has built major and minor triads along with dominant 7th chords, chord 6ths and 9ths as well as minor 7th chords. The left hand often plays chordal figures that are widely spaced, supporting the more lyrical melody. His melodies display a certain lightness and freedom, particularly in the right hand, where melody lines seem as free as improvisations. (Swatford, 1993) Often lacy flights of fantasy are heard or a simple tune which is later expanded upon turning into a flowery variation. (Swatford, 1993) The secure beat from the left hand and flowing melody from the right gives an airy openness to Chopins overall style. Elements of chromaticism are incorporated in his harmonies as well as daring and exploratory dissonant notes. The most effective compositional technique in making Chopins work so captivating is definitely Chopins inexhaustible variety of moods throughout his pieces. (Nicholas. J 1996) In doing so, he provides a journey for the audience to relate to. His incorporation of counterpoint, the dissonant of a chord, as well as a balance of

sweet consonant harmonies is what keeps the listener intrigued and guessing where the notes will flow next. Chopins originality in writing for the piano as though it was its own voice revolutionised the way we write for the piano today. For the first time the true essence of the piano was expressed. Chopin wrote his Preludes in ternary form. They were usually based upon a simple idea and texture, expressed in a dizzying and then simple lyrical style, while on the other hand the traditional Polonaises can be characterised as massive and majestic. (Swatford, 1993) His Ballades (love songs) gave the impression of improvisation, for example in Ballade No. 1. Sombre chords are heard in octaves in bar 3 which are eventually followed by the melancholy passionate melody starting at bar 8. When examining Chopins Etudes, it is evident that an over-excessive use of chordal textures was avoided. Instead, the composer toyed with contrapuntal melodies. From this, his triadic harmonies were enriched with the brave chromaticism used in his accompaniment. In addition to these well known and loved pieces, however, are perhaps some of the most beautiful and meaningful additions to Chopin oeuvre ever created: the Nocturnes. Although the Nocturne was firstly created by John Field, Chopin surpassed his knowledge. His work has been said to be far richer in melody, wealthy of harmony and originality of piano style. (Gerasimov, 2010) The Nocturne or night piece is generally written in ternary form, with a dreamy part A, followed by a more dramatised part B section. Chopins Nocturnes are portrayed as romantic character pieces written in a somewhat melancholy style, with an expressive, dreamy melody over broken-chord accompaniment. (Gerasimov, 2010) One of the most famous of the nocturnes, Nocturne in E flat Major Op. 9 No. 2, has been described as tinged with melancholy. (All Music, 2010) The opening consists of a legato lyrical melody with repetition from chords in the left hand. The form is rounded binary, with alterations in the melody and decorative trills and ornamentation. (All Music, 2010)The second half of the piece at bar 21 contains passages similar to cadenzas, which later become passionate. In conclusion, the melody is played increasing in both register and dynamics until it reaches fortissimo at the climax (bar 32). The piece then ends slowly and peacefully in bars 34 and 5. It is through this wide variety of tangents in which Chopin has been able to allow the listener to succumb to his pure genius. Another example of one of the most effective piano compositions is the Nocturne in B Major. This piece has a time signature of 4/4 and has been stated to be characteristic in design and melodic contour. (All Music, 2010) The beginning exemplifies a sweet lyrical melody accompanied by arpeggios throughout the right hand, with significant rubato used throughout. The coda at bar 63 provides a dramatic and unsuspecting ending for the listener, keeping them enthralled, it completely shocks the listener out of reverie and defies analysis, but compels acceptance. (All Music, 2010) The original dark ending shows the true originality in the way Chopin composed his pieces. According to Sampson, It brings directly into the foreground Chopins desire to make the music speak. (All Music, 2010) In conclusion, without Chopins revolutionary ideas in piano composition, finding the pianofortes inner voice might not have been achieved, even today. Chopin was

undoubtedly the main composer to shape this instrument and forever inspire raw emotion and expression in not just piano music, but music as a whole. Chopin presented his work in the richest, filigreed of chalices but filled it with full measure of human expression and truth. (Weinstock, 1966)