While the sonatas of Beethoven and Mozart comprised a considerable portion of their compositional output, this is not true of the next generation of composers: Franz Liszt only wrote one sonata among his dozens of instrumental compositions, Robert Schumann seven (eight if including the Fantasie in C, Op. 17), and Felix Mendelssohn thirteen. 2 was written during a time where the sonata lost its overpowering dominance. The Marche funèbre exists in countless arrangements and is performed at funerals all over the world (including Chopin's own funeral), having become an archetypal evocation of death. The work has been recorded by numerous pianists and is regularly programmed in concerts and piano competitions. Robert Schumann, among other critics, argued that the work was structurally inferior and that Chopin "could not quite handle sonata form", a criticism that did not withstand time. While the Piano Sonata No. 2 gained instant popularity with the public, critical reception was initially more doubtful. A typical performance of Chopin's second sonata lasts between 21 and 25 minutes, depending on whether the repetition of the first movement's exposition is observed. Bach and by Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 12 also has a funeral march as its third movement. The Piano Sonata No. 2 carries allusions and reminiscences of music by J. The third movement of the Piano Sonata No. 2 is Chopin's famous funeral march ( French: Marche funèbre) which was composed at least two years before the remainder of the work and has remained, by itself, one of Chopin's most popular compositions. The first of the composer's three mature sonatas (the others being the Piano Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58 and the Sonata for Piano and Cello in G minor, Op. 65), the work is considered to be one of the greatest piano sonatas of the literature. Chopin completed the work while living in George Sand's manor in Nohant, some 250 km (160 mi) south of Paris, a year before it was published in 1840. 15/1 and Op.Watercolour of Chopin by Maria Wodzińska, 1836įrédéric Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35, is a piano sonata in four movements. Although often more subtle, Chopin wrote many compositions that convey a rapturous state of mind evoking both spiritual and secular ecstasy.į.
However, he was quoted as believing that his works were best performed by Franz Liszt with his brilliant, dazzling piano technique and verve. Many of his later compositions are inspired by religious themes, but even earlier works such as the ones included in this program represent a great expression of spirituality and vision.Ĭhopin, well known and loved for his dreamy melodies offers the listener a visit into a poetic and dreamlike world. Liszt developed a profound spiritual life alongside his art and eventually received the four minor orders of the Catholic Church. While the common perception is that Franz Liszt boldly represents the former and Chopin the latter, these concepts are broadly exchangeable between the two composers.
I am excited to announce my new program, Rapture & Reverie with music by Chopin and Liszt.Įcstasy and passion versus poetic vision and meditation: these are the contrasting musical manifestations of Rapture and Reverie.