Any Chopin fans?

[Walt Richmond]

One evening a long time ago I put on an album of Chopin's nocturnes, and shortly thereafter realized that this was the composer who spoke most directly to me as a musician. Since then I've worked on the music of many classical and jazz composers, but Chopin's works comprise about 75% of my repertoire. My favorites are his nocturnes (and not exclusively because those are the ones I can actually play!), but I also love his scherzos and polonaises like no other composer. I really think he's the greatest piano composer in the history of the instrument.

I'm not terribly familiar with classical music after Liszt, though. If anyone knows of any composers who seem to carry on Chopin's legacy I'd appreciate hearing about them.

[jazzbo]

I love Chopin. The Nocturnes are favorites.

I'm not a classical musician, but if I were I know I'd work on learning his pieces.

[Teasing the Korean]

Count me in. Back when I attempted to play classical piano, Chopin was my favorite.

You may like Debussy's and Ravel's piano music if you like Chopin, especially if you have an interest in both "classical" and jazz. Ravel's is among the most difficult piano music to play, as an aside.

[Larry Kart]

Count me in, too -- big time.

[jazzbo]

TK I'm with you on CD and MR

[Walt Richmond]

Count me in. Back when I attempted to play classical piano, Chopin was my favorite.

You may like Debussy's and Ravel's piano music if you like Chopin, especially if you have an interest in both "classical" and jazz. Ravel's is among the most difficult piano music to play, as an aside.

I do know Debussy, but not that well. I haven't listened to much Ravel, and if he's more difficult than Chopin listening is all I'll be doing!

[BruceH]

I've been a Chopin fan since high school.

[Teasing the Korean]

I do know Debussy, but not that well. I haven't listened to much Ravel, and if he's more difficult than Chopin listening is all I'll be doing!

Ravel's three-movement "Sonatine" is approachable for piano players with a certain level of skill, but most of his other stuff is very challenging from a technical standpoint.

[Teasing the Korean]

Just as Bach represented, in many ways, the sound of the 60s, Chopin was sort of the sound of the 70s. Think of how many 70s European erotic films have faux-Chopin scores.

[Walt Richmond]

I do know Debussy, but not that well. I haven't listened to much Ravel, and if he's more difficult than Chopin listening is all I'll be doing!

Ravel's three-movement "Sonatine" is approachable for piano players with a certain level of skill, but most of his other stuff is very challenging from a technical standpoint.

I enjoyed listening to the "Sonatine" very much, and it's definitely within my skill level. It's now on my list of things to do. Thanks!

[John L]

I LOVE Chopin.

With intimate company under candle light and a bottle of exotic red wine, nothing quite matches the Nocturnes for setting the perfect mood.

The piano concertos also contain absolutely gorgeous moments - extraordinary inspiration.

[Teasing the Korean]

A gorgeous, longer Chopin piano piece is "Barcarolle." You can certainly find recordings of this, but it doesn't pop up as often as the preludes, nocturnes or polonaises on most collections.

[B. Goren.]

Count me in too, please. Talking about Chopin always remind me the pianist.

Edited September 26, 2009 by B. Goren.

[Michael Weiss]

If anyone knows of any composers who seem to carry on Chopin's legacy I'd appreciate hearing about them.

Scriabin is the direct link from Chopin to the 20th century.

[MomsMobley]

schoonderwoerd chopin soundworld