Chopin's Barcarolle in F sharp, Op.60, features a gorgeous right-hand cantilena supported by a lilting left-hand ostinato, with a central episode that explores more adventurous harmonic territory.
Composition History
The Mazurka in F minor, Op. posth. 68 No.4, considered Chopin's last work, exists only as a sketch discovered posthumously by his pupil and patron Jane Stirling.
Composer Biography
Frédéric Chopin's style matured and grew more complex during the last seven years of his life, characterized by heightened polyphony and harmonic adventurousness.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Chopin himself stated that he rarely played a piece the same way twice, attributing variations to his disposition, and believed performers had the prerogative to add subtle embellishments.
Interpretation
Pianist Kevin Kenner's reconstruction of Chopin's Op. 68 No. 4 Mazurka incorporates a note Chopin added above the principal theme, which Kenner develops into a variant.
Compositional Technique
Chopin's Mazurkas, composed from age ten until his final illness, encompass his full creative evolution, alternating between simple, complex, charming, and audacious elements.
