3 Recommended Pieces by Chopin

It's been about a year since Japanese pianist Kyōhei Sorita won second place at the International Chopin Piano Competition. Do all of you listen to classical music regularly?
I've been playing the piano since childhood and continued my music studies in high school and university. Just recently, I performed Chopin on stage. The pieces I played were the Nocturne Op. 9 No. 1 and Ballade No. 3.
If asked who my favorite composer is, I would immediately answer, "Chopin!"
Each of his works is fascinating and wonderful, but this time I will introduce three Chopin masterpieces that I recommend!

■ First off is ... ” Barcarolle Op. 60 in F-sharp Major ”

This piece might be considered relatively obscure to those who don't frequently listen to classical music, but it was composed by Chopin four years before his death and is one of his last major works. The opening low bass octaves convey a sense of energy, while the pleasant melody that follows captivates the listener. A barcarolle is a type of song traditionally sung by gondoliers in Venice, and true to its name, this piece evokes the sensation of riding in a boat, gently swaying with the calm waves or occasionally rocked by deeper, more significant swells. While other composers have also written barcarolles, Chopin's version stands out for its scale and depth, far surpassing others. The melody is both elegant and passionate, yet it also reflects a hint of Chopin's own frailty and sorrow. This piece is truly uplifting and I highly recommend listening to it.

■ Next ... ” Fantaisie-Impromptu ”

This is a piece that I’m sure most people have heard of. Recently, I had the chance to hear my friend perform it and I was reminded of how captivating it is. Chopin composed four impromptus, and this is one of them. Unlike the Barcarolle, which begins with an evocative energy, this piece starts with a dramatic, low bass octave that sets a tragic tone. The fast-moving melody can make you forget to breathe, and yet in stark contrast, the world suddenly changes with the middle section. Although the melody in the right hand is simple, the beautiful broken chords in the left hand enhance the Chopinesque lyrical quality of the piece. In just five minutes, you'll experience a variety of stories and emotions, so even if you recognize the beginning, I encourage you to listen to the whole piece!

■ And finally ...
” Étude Op. 10, No. 5 'Black Key Étude' ”

This is a piece I performed for my exams in high school and university. An étudé, or étude, is a study piece designed for technical practice, and Chopin composed a total of 24 études, of which this is one. As the title Black Key Étude suggests, the right hand uses only black keys for all but one note! While the term “étude” might make one think of a piece solely for technical exercise and therefore not very enjoyable, that is far from the case here. The endlessly flowing melody in the right hand is supported and enhanced by the left hand's chords, creating a sense of lightness and brilliance unique to this étude. To me, it evokes the image of stars floating in the sky that are sparkling and dancing. What kind of imagery does it bring to your mind?

Chopin's works are all remarkable, so choosing just three was quite challenging for me. Whenever you feel frustrated or unsettled in your daily life, listening to Chopin is sure to soothe your feelings. Music comes in many genres, but I hope that this introduction to Chopin—and classical music in general—serves as an opportunity for those unfamiliar with Chopin to explore and enjoy his music’s beauty.