The finale of Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2 was highly debated; Mendelssohn reportedly 'abhorred' it, while others considered it a bold and original masterstroke.
Performer Biography
Cédric Tiberghien, the pianist on this album, won First Prize at the prestigious Long-Thibaud Competition in Paris in 1998, along with five special awards including the Audience and Orchestra Awards.
Critical Reception
The critic James Huneker declared that Chopin's 24 Préludes, Op. 28, alone would secure Chopin's immortality, stating that if all music were to be destroyed, he would plead for the preludes.
Composition History
The Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 35, known as the 'Funeral March' sonata, features its celebrated third movement, the 'Marche funèbre,' which was the first part of the sonata to be written.
Composition History
Chopin sold the Préludes to publisher Camille Pleyel for 2,000 francs, with some advance payment enabling his trip to Majorca; a domestic servant's annual salary at the time was about 500 francs.
Composition History
Chopin began writing the 24 Préludes in 1836, and their completion coincided with the beginning of his relationship with novelist and playwright George Sand, with whom he traveled to Majorca.
Compositional Technique
Chopin redefined the term 'prelude' for short, independent keyboard works, moving beyond their traditional role as introductions or technical exercises, and providing a model for later composers.
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Chopin: Complete Solo Piano Works in Opus Order, Vol. 9
