Editor’s Note: Steinway Society audiences have had the privilege of hearing some great Chopin for the piano, including winner of the Gold Medal at the International Chopin Competition, Seong-Jin Cho. Here are Christopher’s thoughts on why audiences love Chopin. It’s also interesting to see how many films have used Chopin themes to convey emotion.
Chopin is indisputably one of the most iconic composers within the classical music community, and for good reason. Whether one performs or listens, there is much complexity and depth to virtually all of his compositions. Here are some of the major appeals of Chopin’s music from the perspective of the listener.
Also read: A Pianist Looks at Chopin
Chopin’s work has a distinctive sound
The work of every great composer has a unique feel and sound. There is a very distinct, often melancholic atmosphere in Chopin’s work, with great emphasis on song-like melodies. Chopin was a huge fan of opera, and this along with the general style of his era, likely influenced his emphasis on cantabile (“in a singing manner”) playing. Chopin’s sound pleases the ear and is incredibly memorable. It’s easy to hum his melodies after the music stops playing.
Do you love Chopin? Check out our 24th Season, when five of our artists are including Chopin in their program, as we focus on the Romantic era
Chopin’s use of harmonies
Chopin’s use and variety of harmonies is amazing, and a somewhat underestimated (or at least, under-praised) aspect of his music. He arranges existing harmonic tendencies in exotic ways, transitioning to surprising harmonies that either put a smile on one’s face or push the knife in deeper, making the moment beautifully painful.
Chopin and the art of telling stories through music
Chopin is one of the better composers at telling stories through music, evoking a wide range of emotions into each and every piece. Every note serves a purpose, bringing about magical effects and progression that vaguely forms the outline of a plot. What this story is depends on the musician performing as well as the inclinations and thoughts of the listener. Any of his four ballades are quintessential examples of this. One can form a story across the multitude of mood changes in the pieces.
Each performance is different!
There are countless aspects in Chopin’s music that appeal to a broad audience, but I think these are the major ones. There is so much to listen to, and one performance is never enough. Different musicians add their unique spins to his work, and so Chopin’s compositions alone can provide a lifetime of enjoyment.
