All pianists play Chopin, but nobody has nor never had the exclusive authoritative opinion on how to play Chopin. Relationships about how Chopin himself played his music is based on subjective and unbelievable testimonies of friends and observers. Even today Chopin is a mystery and will probably always remain it.
Here are some tips that can be used when learning and playing Chopin’s music:
- It should be remembered that in Chopin’s times the piano was different. He wrote on an instrument that was more lyrical, less percussive and generally less loud. The then pianos were characterized by greater bass clarification and shorter reverberation of high frequencies. When you play a modern instrument, do not force the volume or overload the bass. If Legato is required in a modern piano, they should be achieved with your fingers, not a pedal. A modern pianist often uses too many pedals at the wrong time.
- The piano technique has changed. The game technique with high fingers was widely used in Chopin’s times. I prefer to hold every finger as close to the key to minimize unnecessary movements and effort. This approach helps to avoid unnecessary noise, such as knocking on the keys and noise caused by the use of the pedal.
- It should be remembered that Chopin was a Pole and a Frenchman, and his Polish childhood memories never blurred, even when he was surrounded by French influence in adulthood.
- Chopin was the first to write only on the piano. He thought about music mainly through the piano, to some extent through the voice, and not through orchestral instruments.
- Chopin was a master of harmony. Most harmony textbooks contain examples of its discoveries. When preparing Chopin’s composition, it is worth doing a harmonic analysis to work more effectively on the song.
- Chopin’s taste was never vulgar in his music. But in addition to elegance and subtlety, under the surface there is often passion and great energy ready to explode.
- Chopin has great works (sonatas, ballads, scherza, polonaises, concerts) and miniatures (waltz, mazurkas, nocturnes). I would never advise you to even consider his smallest works insignificant. It’s “sleeping giants.”
So, my dear!
Be patient with yourself, enjoy the learning process of Chopin and play with the game!
Breathe music!
