Article  Chopin Piano Music Is Loved Around the World Frederic Chopin is one of the world's greatest composers, and Chopin piano music is some of the most beloved music is the world. While many composers are famous for writing grand, operatic music for orchestras, Chopin is most famous for his wonderful works for the piano. In fact, Chopin himself loved the piano most out of all musical instruments and dedicated his life to composing primarily for this piece. Chopin is arguably the most famous Polish composer, with many of his works instantly recognizable when heard, even if the listeners don't know the formal titles for some of his pieces. The Minute Waltz, for instance, was composted by Chopin and is actually called Valse in D flat major, Opus 64, No. 1. For millions of music lovers, however, it will always be the Minute Waltz. Other famous Chopin piano music includes the Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor, which is today often referred to as the Funeral March and the Polonaise in A-Flat Major, Opus 53, which is often called the Drum Polonaise. The use of more familiar, contemporary titles for Chopin's piano music is a reflection of the popularity of his work. The composer himself felt that popular names should never be given to formal compositions, as the titles could taint the mood of the music by suggesting a feeling rather than allowing each listener to interpret the music for himself or herself without any preconceived notions. Chopin piano pieces are today regarded as some of the finest examples of Romantic music ever composed. Each piece is recognized for its rich nuance, expression and complexity. In fact, they are some of the most challenging pieces of piano music still played today and require a virtuoso talent and a deft hand on the keys to play successfully. Chopin's pieces are at least partly responsible for the continuing popularity of the Waltz. In fact, his compositions greatly raised appreciation for, and popularity of, this dance as an art form in the 1800's. He composed twenty waltzes in his lifetime, many of which are still performed at piano recitals, concerts and formal dances today. Another dance which was honored by Chopin was the Mazurka. This national dance of Poland was particularly beloved by the composer, and he composed fifty-eight of them, bringing this lively dance to international attention through his music. His love of the Mazurka was a reflection of Chopin's nationalism, and was to influence nationalistic feeling and expression in the arts for decades. The nocturne was a relatively new musical form that Chopin felt particularly drawn to. He wrote over twenty nocturnes, and in the process raised their level of sophistication. His nocturnes were much more complex than they had previously been, with astounding depth and subtlety, raising the nocturne to new heights and making them very popular on the European musical stage. However, Chopin didn't compose exclusively for the piano. He also composed several concertos and a considerable body of chamber music, although the chamber music was generally for cello and piano. His first and greatest love was still the piano, which he learned at a very young age from his older sister before beginning formal lessons. Today, although he is recognized for all of his contributions to music, Chopin is best loved and most recognized for his incredible piano music. Travel anywhere in the world and play a selection of Chopin piano music, and you'll find music lovers who instantly recognize the style, beauty and expressiveness of Chopin's work. Category Entertainment Author Andy West Add To Favorites Print This Article Email Article To A Friend Post Comments   Rate This Article (1) 1 - Poor2345 - Good678910 - Excellent Added On Tue Dec 15th,2009     discussion board: acourtneyvm : Thu Feb 25th,2010 12:02 pm Chopin Piano music happens to be my favorite music to both play and listen to being played. I regularly host parties and get togethers with my family and friends, and I almost always play Chopin music which everyone seems to love as well. Post Comments