Week 10-11: Chopin, Études

By 1830, the piano was beginning to come into its technological maturity. One of the first acknowledged masters in writing for and playing the new instrument was Chopin. Chopin recognized the implications of the increasingly effective damper pedal for piano writing. This piano offered a greater variety of tones and richer dynamic range, allowing Chopin to develop his aesthetics. He attained mastery in the use of the pedals, using them from brilliant passages, sustained harmonies, deep bass notes, and loud ringing chords. While the tone on the piano dies away once a note is struck, Chopin found ways to create the illusion of sustaining legato lines, using the left-hand, accompanying the melody with rapidly moving arpeggiated chords to create the impression of the melody waxing or waning. The piano of his day allowed Chopin to employ infinite gradations in dynamics,

from pianissimo to fortissimo. The usage of the instrument’s full register created new, advanced techniques. Chopin’s innovative fingerings for legato and cantabile playing lend to evenness of sound and tranquility of the hand. As a pianist, Chopin exhibited a singing tone, delicacy, elegance, rubato, and an improvisational performance style. He pioneered the bel canto style of melodic playing, inspired by contemporary Italian opera. Chopin’s musical style was characterized by its spontaneity, beautiful tone, rhythmic fluidity and poetry.