#chopin This one is actually my favourite chopin ballade. The others are prettier, more complex, greater variety etc, but none are more dramatic than the ending of ballade no2. It's the only one that leaves me speechless after the finale.
#Chopin I’ve played piano for around ten years, but haven’t cared about the instrument until I heard Chopin’s music. I remember when my teacher assigned me op. 64 no 2, and it was the first time I was really motivated to learn a piece. I listened to all the waltzes, and thought they were nice but I wasn’t fully sold on classical music yet. Then I heard a Rubinstein recording of Chopin’s first ballade. The amorphous line at the beginning confused me, and I wondered if Classical music was something I could enjoy. Then the opening melody came in with its subtle beauty, longing, and despair and I was sold. Then with the flurry of notes at what is measure 33 of my IMSLP print out shocked me, I didn’t know what I was in for yet. At the first listen from this point onward I couldn’t track where the different themes weaved in and out, but I was amazed. It wasn’t only the virtuosity that hit me, I had seen child prodigies on tv and TH-cam. I felt depth of the emotions even though I didn’t understand how the music worked (and I still have much to learn in that respect). When your reading a book you process the concepts and events, then the emotion comes. Music is somewhat mysterious to me because the feelings come before analysis. I heard that around six months ago. I was shocked how one instrument could produce so much emotion. The feelings I felt are comparable to listening to Radiohead’s Kid A, except it was only ten minutes long with one instrument and written in the early 1800’s. After this I began listening to more, because suddenly I realized I could play a lot of this music and interact with it in in a different way. At the time I could play most of the Chopin’s waltzes and some of the nocturnes. The more I played, the more I appreciated professional recordings. The more I listened to recordings and explored new music, the more songs I want to play. Today when I practice the Pathètique Sonata, I know I’m inadvertently practicing for the day I challenge Chopin’s second sonata. Whether that be 5, 10, or 20 years away. Chopin’s music brought me to classical music. Chopin and Beethoven have an angst in there music that makes them my favorite composers. When I first listened to all the Ballades I kind’ve glossed over the Second Ballade because it didn’t seem to hold up to the first and fourth. Also after a while my teacher said I could take on the third ballade (which was a huge struggle, but I’m glad I did it) so the second ballade has really been neglected until a few weeks ago. Coming back to it, it really shined and while I still think it’s not quite as strong as Chopin’s other three I’ve really come to love it. It’s like comparing the two Beethoven sonatas Á Therese and Appasionata. Á Therese will come off weak comparatively, but on its own it’s a great piece of music. My friend actually challenged me recently to learn the coda of the second ballade, in response I challenged him to learn an Asturias by Albéniz arrangement for guitar (the instrument he plays). I would love to use this score to learn the coda, and if I got this sheet music I would definitely play the entire piece. Your channel was one of the first I found when I entered this new world, and it would be really cool to win this sheet music from your channel. I love your content, my favorite video of yours is probably the fourth finger video, because it changed how I think of my hand. Anyways I commend you for reading this ramble, if you got this far! Greetings from Dallas Texas!
#Chopin I’ve played piano for around ten years, but haven’t cared about the instrument until I heard Chopin’s music. I remember when my teacher assigned me op. 64 no 2, and it was the first time I was really motivated to learn a piece. I listened to all the waltzes, and thought they were nice but I wasn’t fully sold on classical music yet. Then I heard a Rubinstein recording of Chopin’s first ballade. The amorphous line at the beginning confused me, and I wondered if Classical music was something I could enjoy. Then the opening melody came in with its subtle beauty, longing, and despair and I was sold. Then with the flurry of notes at what is measure 33 of my IMSLP print out shocked me, I didn’t know what I was in for yet. At the first listen from this point onward I couldn’t track where the different themes weaved in and out, but I was amazed. It wasn’t only the virtuosity that hit me, I had seen child prodigies on tv and TH-cam. I felt depth of the emotions even though I didn’t understand how the music worked (and I still have much to learn in that respect). When your reading a book you process the concepts and events, then the emotion comes. Music is somewhat mysterious to me because the feelings come before analysis. I heard that around six months ago. I was shocked how one instrument could produce so much emotion. The feelings I felt are comparable to listening to Radiohead’s Kid A, except it was only ten minutes long with one instrument and written in the early 1800’s. After this I began listening to more, because suddenly I realized I could play a lot of this music and interact with it in in a different way. At the time I could play most of the Chopin’s waltzes and some of the nocturnes. The more I played, the more I appreciated professional recordings. The more I listened to recordings and explored new music, the more songs I want to play. Today when I practice the Pathètique Sonata, I know I’m inadvertently practicing for the day I challenge Chopin’s second sonata. Whether that be 5, 10, or 20 years away. Chopin’s music brought me to classical music. Chopin and Beethoven have an angst in there music that makes them my favorite composers. When I first listened to all the Ballades I kind’ve glossed over the Second Ballade because it didn’t seem to hold up to the first and fourth. Also after a while my teacher said I could take on the third ballade (which was a huge struggle, but I’m glad I did it) so the second ballade has really been neglected until a few weeks ago. Coming back to it, it really shined and while I still think it’s not quite as strong as Chopin’s other three I’ve really come to love it. It’s like comparing the two Beethoven sonatas Á Therese and Appasionata. Á Therese will come off weak comparatively, but on its own it’s a great piece of music. My friend actually challenged me recently to learn the coda of the second ballade, in response I challenged him to learn an Asturias by Albéniz arrangement for guitar (the instrument he plays). I would love to use this score to learn the coda, and if I got this sheet music I would definitely play the entire piece. Your channel was one of the first I found when I entered this new world, and it would be really cool to win this sheet music from your channel. I love your content, my favorite video of yours is probably the fourth finger video, because it changed how I think of my hand. Anyways I commend you for reading this ramble, if you got this far! Greetings from Dallas Texas!
#Chopin Ballade 2 is so concise and every moment can elicit a response from the listener. Chopin's difficult circumstances on the Mallorca Island (poor health, disagreement with publishers, unpleasant piano, and terrible weather) are reflected in this work. I like the series of trills before the coda very much, and am always surprised by pianists who manage to make remarkable crescendo when I thought they cannot give anymore. Compared with the other ballades, Ballade 2's coda is not long. But it represents despair and struggle to a great extent. Always nice to hear different pianists' interpretation of the ending where theme 1 comes back and finish in a minor key, in contrast to the title's f major.
If I can give you a hint or two : this ballade is all about economy. During the presto con fuoco for instance , when you are going up with the broken diminished chords , naturally you would tend to move the wrist or fingers too much . However , you should save as much movement as possible , trying to keep the hand naturally curved (of course you know of all that . I am sorry for preaching to the choir ) . Another thing is during that passage , the thumb from the L.H does a counter rhythm , the rhythmic made with the Left thumb will alleviate the right hand tension , because you have to go super fast . The coda is all about wrist suppleness .
#chopin ballade number 1 used to be my favourite, but after binge listening to loads of Chopin I think the 2nd is now my favourite! Chopin's music is so beautiful, always look forward to listen to the Chopin competition every 5 years 😆
#Chopin ... his ballades (especially by cortot) were what really made me dig into classical music. His compositions always give so much room for interpretation and emotion. Different interpretations of the same piece can have totally different meanings... Also thanks Annique for motivating me to practice :)
I just finished recording this piece and honestly it's really fun to play!! So many different ways to express the same notes (especially in the A section). And the coda is 🤯
I would really like to have this score. I love all his ballads and find them all equally amazing. It proves again the genius of Chopin who wrote throughout his life. Indeed, when you listen to his balades you feel as if you are transported from one emotion to another as if you were tasting all the pleasures of life. I think that everyone has a favourite ballad because each ballad reflects Chopin's emotions at a given moment, therefore the emotions of a human like us. That's why I admire this second ballad, it reflects my personality the most. That's why I think that as Chopin lovers, we appreciate his music because it's so sincere, so natural. It represents the beauty of life.
If you can’t giggle your way though a sight read… are you really playing? I used to get on my piano teacher’s nerves. 32 years later… I still giggle. You’re incredible.
I mean... Who doesn't love #Chopin ? There is always Chopin's beauuuutifull (master)piece(s) that resonate with any of your mood that you're feeling or desire. For example, my favorite Ballade rn is Chopin's Ballade in G minor Op.23. It's really resonate with my quarter life crisis that still happening to me. When I listen to this (1st) Chopin's Ballade, and the fact that Chopin wrote this masterpiece in his 20s (or younger) really makes me awe, inspired, emotional, and hopeful at the same time. 21 y.o. Chopin be like: "let's make a Ballade!" "hmm.. let's make it like you feel lost and sorrowful, yet hopeful!" "let's add drama, tragedy, beauty, heroism, romance, and comedy too!" "hellish thundering coda? Why not!?" 😂😂😂
Yeeeeess !! One of my favorite piece of my favorite composer and also my favorite Ballade !! That's impressive for only an hour and 11 minutes of practice !
just learned the 4 ballades and for me: 1st ballade = special place in my heart as it's the first ballade i learned and first piece of music i learned after stopping classical piano for almost 2 decades 4th ballade = that 9:6 polyrhythm with an accent every fourth just blew my mind these two are my favourite to play depending on how i feel that day!
#chopin I love Chopin's Ballades because they show in a nutshell almost all the techniques he mastered along his life until the moment they were written. They are wonderful Chopin 101's
#chopin, I love Chopin because of his Harmonies. The way he Makes dissonant Chords sound beautiful is just crazy. The way he uses Chromatic notes in such a harmonic way is just pure Madeness. And then there are his Climaxes which are just the definition of Emotional break downs, and his Melodies in the Lyrical sections that are just insane on their own.
#Chopin This piece is one of a kind.It has the F major scale giving it a naturally acoustic beauty and the style of playing "Presto con Fuoco" that gives the piece a lot of intensity and energy while it's played.In a more general view,Chopin's Ballades are hard to play but once you find the courage to put a lot of effort and deal with them,the sound production feels lovely and the whole sequence of the notes takes the player into another world,where it's him and the piano,together creating a colourful and magically enhanced result that leaves everyone speechless and with a bunch of beautiful feelings and emotions.
#Chopin I think Chopin's ballades are amongst my favourite piano pieces ever. It's fascinating how each ballade has a backstory on how Chopin was feeling or going through at the time. For instance, his 1st ballade was written when he had tuberculosis, and you really can hear how dark and little hope he had through that ballade. And this 2nd ballade was written during his tough stay at Majorca. Honestly my dream piece is Chopin ballade 4, and hopefully I can get there someday...
He has maintained worldwide renown as a leading musician of his era, one whose poetic genius was based on a professional technique that was without equal in his generation. #Chopin
The ballades have been some of my favorite pieces I've ever gotten to learn in the past, and listening to them never gets old. They're a step above almost any of the other music I've played and I love the feeling of listening to each of them. :) #Chopin
I mastered all the Chopin ballades and from easiest to hardest I would put 2314, I think 2 and 3 is about the same difficulty, but some parts of 3 is harder than 2.
#Chopin anddd I love the way he’s able to make the piano sound like a completely different instrument and what he’s able to do with this instrument is simply amazing Some examples for me are etude op. 10 no. 10, op. 25 no. 1, 3, 5, 8 - he has this sound that you immediately know it’s Chopin and it’s magical to me
#chopin Chopin was a pianist first and foremost and i loved what he did for the piano in general. Extending the form of studies to making them truly beautiful musical exercises was brilliant. I think Chopin is a great evolution to show people the differences in Romantiscisim and Classical music because his compostions are still fairly formal while also giving over to stuff like chromatiscism and lyrical / emotive melody writing. I just adore his stuff. Particularly his less showy stuff is still gorgeous and understated. If you haven't already; check out his Mazurkas. No way near as showy as his Waltzes but they are still wonderful pieces of music.
Hey Annique, it would be awesome if you could try the challenge with a Baroque piece for example Bach's Goldberg Variation 1 or Variation 5. Best regards
I love Chopin's ballades! Particularly Kristian Zimmerman's performance. He has such expression and plays them really well. His performance of Ballad no. 1 in G minor is one of the reasons why I play piano today.
#Chopin Did you know Chopin was actually left handed and sickly has whole life so pretty it’s amazing how he could compose such soulful music much less play it and that is why I love Chopin he had a hard life and instead of being grumpy and in despair he used it to make some of the best piano music and music in general ever.
Great job for 1 hour and 11 minutes - it took me several weeks to get that far when I did my amateur version of this piece in the 1980s. Funny enough, there seems to be a relict from these times in your bookshelf: aren't the silver books with the rainbow colors the "Enzyklopädie der Naturwissenschaft und Technik"? We had a copy of those back in the days. Good fun to pass by your channel from time to time - keep it up!
I think the etudes that directly correspond with this ballade are the Op. 10 No. 10 (for the sixths and the oscillating octave/chord at the end of the coda) and Op. 10 No. 7 (for the light, richochet touch with the double notes in the coda). You could also use, for example, the Op. 57 finale of Beethoven and his WoO 80 variations to deal with the undulating double notes and octaves.
#Chopin I've just recently started piano, I've been playing for 6 months... However I've actually completed Chopin Opus 69 No 1, Rachmaninoff Opus 23 No 5, Rondo Alla Turca, and some other pieces. In terms of sound though I'm absolutely in love with Chopin. I have the Henle Chopin's Nocturnes book and absolutely love picking out pieces from there to work on. Recently I've started learning Chopin's Ballade No. 1 and just love his works. I find it interesting how a composer like Schumann wanted to fully train his hands to be able to play better and ultimately ruined his hands, however Chopin took a totally different approach and wanted to make the piano an extension of his body. The pieces Chopin wrote have such a connection and appeal to humans emotionally, even physically. I believe this was due to his theology of making the piano apart of himself rather than training for it like Schumann. He wanted piano to be natural, not forced. Become the piano, don't tame the piano. Might sound a little funky but that's at least how I view it.
What I love about Chopin and his ballades in particular are the incredible emotional contrasts he creates. In this piece it most obvious with the sudden changes between the peaceful f major sections and the tempestuous a minor ones. #Chopin
Just fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing your methods! I will definitely try the 1", 10", 1 hour challenge on other works. This Ballade is out of range for right now. Gorgeous ~ that's what I like about Chopin ~ every note is gorgeous! ☺️✨🧡✨🎹✨💐✨
Hello 👋 I’m a new subscriber. I just want to thank you for what you do. I wish I had the classical education to really appreciate the music you classical pianist play. Keep on going and keep up the great content 👌
The emotion that Chopin put in these Ballades is just incredible. If you listen them again and again you will surely understand the feeling which he had when he composed them all. #Chopin
#Chopin I love Chopin (especially his ballades) because he isn’t afraid of getting dramatic. He writes these beautiful melodies, and in his more difficult pieces isn’t afraid to add touches of insane virtuosity while being able to keep the melody beautiful.
#chopin i think that ballade 4 is the best ballade out of the 4. however the coda in the 2nd is unmatched with its fiery intensity. i also really like the romantic nature of the 3rd.
#Chopin and his Ballades are one of my favorites. I've studied one of his Ballade pieces and what I noticed is that there are certain parts that require a correct interpretation of what the composer intended it to sound and be like. His pieces seems like it has it's own story which can be observe if u notice the mood and dynamics of it. Overall it's very challenging and at the same time satisfying to play and listen
Chopin ballades have escaped my attention, probably they are lesser played by professionals? Presto con fuoco…, well, they are lesser played by amateurs for a reason. Enjoyed this session as always, made my day, what a gift to have found this channel!
I've performed no 1. Yes, I also practice by varying the rhythm/groupings. When I'm trying to master a work, I do so from the end forward, that way once I finally get to the beginning and start playing, every next measure/section is MORE practiced than the prior! That was especially useful to me for Rach's Variations on a Theme of Paganini. Imagine getting to the end (the "Crème de Menthe" variation) and THEN discovering you just couldn't handle it!
Annique im so glad I found your channel, Seeing you practice makes me want to play again even though I already practiced, Thank you for sharing your talents queen 🤍
#chopin Every one of the ballades shows an aspect from his life and his ideas for the time when they were composed. Really love them all specially the last one. But recently I've been listening to this one and found out that Chopin dedicated this piece to Schumann.
#Chopin I think every piece he has composed is so expressive, every dynamic and contrast he makes from one segment to another is incredible. I started playing with the nocturnes and then moved on to the ballades. Ballade No.1 in G Minor, Op.23 is my favorite, I love how it can sound slow and then it becomes dramatic, it´s something that only Chopin could composed.
Mad props to you for diving straight into the Presto section of this #chopin ballade (you could have played around with the Andantino section- and we would have loved it) and the progress you made in 1 hour *kowtow* 🙇♂
#Chopin is one of my favorite classical romantic composers, he has such wonderful and somewhat magical pieces that portrays different moods and emotions like his Ballades that strongly influences human emotions, both the listener or performer😄
#Chopin I just love Chopin in general. While his Ballades just sound amazing and cover a wide range of emotions, his Etudes definitely helped me learning the piano and made me fall in love with romantic music.
#chopin His melodies are incredibly emotional for me like Op. 9 No. 1 and No. 20 come to mind. His understanding of the piano is unparalleled and I’m not sure we fully grasp his music to its fullest extent. This piece in particular has such a complex right hand part but when you break apart the actual melody it’s quite beautiful. Same with his Revolutionary Etude but with the left hand. The finest piano composer in my opinion.
I’ve played no 1, 3 Uni days and tried playing through 2 and i have to say 2 has some seriously difficult technical sections more than the other ones! 😅 loved your challenge w Chopin (my fave composer). ❤️🎹🎶
#chopin all the way. I recently had a conversation with my friend on which Chopin etude was the most famous and best. It’s great to have a friend to actually talk about music, especially Chopin. 😁
#Chopin ’tis my favorite ballade too, like many dear commenters here have also stated. Though there is something eery and mysteriously haunting about this piece that eludes me every time while listening. It truly is one these feelings that cannot be found out, yet everytime this curious sensation keeps me in quest of some impossible revelation. Quite fascinating, this thing called music, is it not? Regards, Gregory
Hey Annique, one thing I love about Chopin’s ballades is that the original melody seems to always come back in some point of the piece, as in the first ballade, it comes back right before the coda, creating an intense amount of emotion as the same feeling was created earlier in a different key. Chopins ballades truly reveal virtuosic characteristics and are a pleasure to play (or try to play) and listen to. #chopin
I forgot to put the #Chopin but frankly I admire what you do, your videos. Honestly, I find it very interesting and I think it allows you to share with the world this universal language that is music and therefore your passion.
#Chopin love all their works and specially the ballades, all the range of our emotions are there, in the score. Also some of the most challenging piano music you can strive for.
i dont even understand how people like chopin come up with stuff this complicated. I am a composer who imho can create some epic sounding solo piano music but when i play just one hand of any of my pieces it sounds extremely structured and quite basic but for example when i play the revolutionary etude when i play the left hand it sounds so off and weird until i play the right hand then it all comes together into this harmonious piece.
wow this piece and video really captured how good you are and tested your skills. To me, this is your most impressive video and my new favourite. I love all your videos but this is so special
All of the #Chopin Ballades are epic and beautiful. I go through phases where my favorite Ballade changes. First I liked No.1 the most, then 4, then 3, and finally, now I like to listen to the 2nd ballade the most. I'd like to learn Chopin's 2nd Ballade before I attend music school in the fall.
You were wearing very beauty pending I liked them. I'm a beginner but I leaned a lot from your tips and follow some, love you can play a pice in one hour. Saludos Abel
#chopin the reason I'm captivated by Chopin's music is the contrast of emotions that I feel when I listen to it. Relying on a technique that goes beyond perfection he develops the most deep lyric melodies in a romantic atmosphere, until a sudden burst reflects passion and agony. Concerning the Ballades I would say that each of them is a dream that leads you to a different world when you listen to it, depending on the way you approach it every time
my trick to learning these ballades is to listen to them on repeat as i fall asleep. the issue is i can't really fall asleep to this ballade bc of this section that you're playing
#Chopin Chopin's ballades just reach the heart of all feelings and know how to express it with music. Simply hauntingly beautiful and breathtaking, real pieces of art !
#Chopin My favourite piece of chopin is actually the etude winter wind. I´ve already started playing but i havent finished yet. Chopin is one of my favourite composers of all time.
#Chopin I love Chopin’s ballades because of the variety and emotions that can be expressed with his ballades, and how each person can have such different interpretation of his music.
#chopin this actually came out at a really good time for me because I am learning this piece. I love the coda of this ballade because of how much contrast it holds from the beginning. And how it brings back the theme in a minor from f major. It’s almost a haunting memory.
#Chopin I'm learning the first Ballade right now for my diploma and it made me realize how much Chopin must have been going through... Playing his Ballades is like reading his personal diary.
Thanks a lot Annique. I love these ballades so much. This one's my 2nd favorite (after the 4th, obviously). So underrated. You're so talented. You must have worked a lot. I'm a little bit jealous of you managing to play one page (from the hard ones) in only ONE HOUR of work, with so few mistakes. My ultimate goal in my pianist's life is to be able to play the 4 ballades, but I'm still so far from it... I only have the 3rd ballade, and without the finale. Your "multiple rythms" method reminds me my last piano teacher, who told me exactly the same. This must be efficient. Once again, thank you. Your enthusiasm and your passion are an inspiration to me. Oh, and btw I didn't write #Chopin because I don't want to win the scores 😛 I already own the 4 ballades Henle Editions, and if I want your fingerings when I'll jump into the 3 other ballades (1, 2, 4), I'll just support you on Patreon. Maybe I'll do it anyway. You deserve it. Have a nice day 😁👋🎹🎼🎶
#chopin I am relatively new to the wider world of piano music - up until recently, I only played the piano to earn my grade. However, since entering diploma level and being given more choice, I've learned so much about different composers and different styles. And this includes Chopin - I hadn't given him much thought before but oh my god is his music inspiring! It's often so simple and so beautiful at the same time, and deceitful I should say too - it's a real challenge to learn some of his pieces! I can't wait to delve further into his work throughout my career as a pianist (I am realising that despite being diploma level, I am just at the start of my future as a pianist)
When speeding up parts I usually pick a speed I can play it at then continue to raise the tempo by 2-4 for every accurate run until it is where I’m trying to get it to
#chopin his ballades has been said to be four pillarstones of his works. Also i find it interesting that his Polonaise-fantasie is is called his ”fifth ballade”
#chopin I am still at the start of my Chopin and general piano journey, and feel like I have so much more of his work to explore, but there is something so enveloping in his music. It kind of weaves in and out of your emotions in quite a unique and relatable way. It can sound dark, but rather than being depressing, it is more like a mirror to explore your own feelings in, or a framework to help give some structure and help process what you're feeling. And also just really beautiful!
Chopin is one of my favorite piano composers I love the pure romanticisme of his gorgeous pieces I always have minimum a chopping song in my repertory #Chopin
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I do the 1Min, 10Min, 1Hour challenge every morning on my alarm clock when trying to get up.
Same
😂
😂
lol nice one
poor Chopin spinning at top speed in his grave
#chopin This one is actually my favourite chopin ballade. The others are prettier, more complex, greater variety etc, but none are more dramatic than the ending of ballade no2. It's the only one that leaves me speechless after the finale.
the middle part is actually extremely harmonically complex
Thats exactly what ive been saying
The coda of ballade 4 is bizarre ahaha
my fav ballade as well. unfortunately its kinda underrated i think.
My fav too! I’m learning it now at half speed 😂
The most underrated ballade, I’m excited for this video
Write #Chopin and what you love about Chopins Ballades and his music in the comments to win the scores!❤️☺️
#Chopin I’ve played piano for around ten years, but haven’t cared about the instrument until I heard Chopin’s music. I remember when my teacher assigned me op. 64 no 2, and it was the first time I was really motivated to learn a piece. I listened to all the waltzes, and thought they were nice but I wasn’t fully sold on classical music yet. Then I heard a Rubinstein recording of Chopin’s first ballade. The amorphous line at the beginning confused me, and I wondered if Classical music was something I could enjoy. Then the opening melody came in with its subtle beauty, longing, and despair and I was sold. Then with the flurry of notes at what is measure 33 of my IMSLP print out shocked me, I didn’t know what I was in for yet. At the first listen from this point onward I couldn’t track where the different themes weaved in and out, but I was amazed. It wasn’t only the virtuosity that hit me, I had seen child prodigies on tv and TH-cam. I felt depth of the emotions even though I didn’t understand how the music worked (and I still have much to learn in that respect). When your reading a book you process the concepts and events, then the emotion comes. Music is somewhat mysterious to me because the feelings come before analysis. I heard that around six months ago. I was shocked how one instrument could produce so much emotion. The feelings I felt are comparable to listening to Radiohead’s Kid A, except it was only ten minutes long with one instrument and written in the early 1800’s. After this I began listening to more, because suddenly I realized I could play a lot of this music and interact with it in in a different way. At the time I could play most of the Chopin’s waltzes and some of the nocturnes. The more I played, the more I appreciated professional recordings. The more I listened to recordings and explored new music, the more songs I want to play. Today when I practice the Pathètique Sonata, I know I’m inadvertently practicing for the day I challenge Chopin’s second sonata. Whether that be 5, 10, or 20 years away. Chopin’s music brought me to classical music. Chopin and Beethoven have an angst in there music that makes them my favorite composers. When I first listened to all the Ballades I kind’ve glossed over the Second Ballade because it didn’t seem to hold up to the first and fourth. Also after a while my teacher said I could take on the third ballade (which was a huge struggle, but I’m glad I did it) so the second ballade has really been neglected until a few weeks ago. Coming back to it, it really shined and while I still think it’s not quite as strong as Chopin’s other three I’ve really come to love it. It’s like comparing the two Beethoven sonatas Á Therese and Appasionata. Á Therese will come off weak comparatively, but on its own it’s a great piece of music. My friend actually challenged me recently to learn the coda of the second ballade, in response I challenged him to learn an Asturias by Albéniz arrangement for guitar (the instrument he plays). I would love to use this score to learn the coda, and if I got this sheet music I would definitely play the entire piece. Your channel was one of the first I found when I entered this new world, and it would be really cool to win this sheet music from your channel. I love your content, my favorite video of yours is probably the fourth finger video, because it changed how I think of my hand. Anyways I commend you for reading this ramble, if you got this far! Greetings from Dallas Texas!
#Chopin I’ve played piano for around ten years, but haven’t cared about the instrument until I heard Chopin’s music. I remember when my teacher assigned me op. 64 no 2, and it was the first time I was really motivated to learn a piece. I listened to all the waltzes, and thought they were nice but I wasn’t fully sold on classical music yet. Then I heard a Rubinstein recording of Chopin’s first ballade. The amorphous line at the beginning confused me, and I wondered if Classical music was something I could enjoy. Then the opening melody came in with its subtle beauty, longing, and despair and I was sold. Then with the flurry of notes at what is measure 33 of my IMSLP print out shocked me, I didn’t know what I was in for yet. At the first listen from this point onward I couldn’t track where the different themes weaved in and out, but I was amazed. It wasn’t only the virtuosity that hit me, I had seen child prodigies on tv and TH-cam. I felt depth of the emotions even though I didn’t understand how the music worked (and I still have much to learn in that respect). When your reading a book you process the concepts and events, then the emotion comes. Music is somewhat mysterious to me because the feelings come before analysis. I heard that around six months ago. I was shocked how one instrument could produce so much emotion. The feelings I felt are comparable to listening to Radiohead’s Kid A, except it was only ten minutes long with one instrument and written in the early 1800’s. After this I began listening to more, because suddenly I realized I could play a lot of this music and interact with it in in a different way. At the time I could play most of the Chopin’s waltzes and some of the nocturnes. The more I played, the more I appreciated professional recordings. The more I listened to recordings and explored new music, the more songs I want to play. Today when I practice the Pathètique Sonata, I know I’m inadvertently practicing for the day I challenge Chopin’s second sonata. Whether that be 5, 10, or 20 years away. Chopin’s music brought me to classical music. Chopin and Beethoven have an angst in there music that makes them my favorite composers. When I first listened to all the Ballades I kind’ve glossed over the Second Ballade because it didn’t seem to hold up to the first and fourth. Also after a while my teacher said I could take on the third ballade (which was a huge struggle, but I’m glad I did it) so the second ballade has really been neglected until a few weeks ago. Coming back to it, it really shined and while I still think it’s not quite as strong as Chopin’s other three I’ve really come to love it. It’s like comparing the two Beethoven sonatas Á Therese and Appasionata. Á Therese will come off weak comparatively, but on its own it’s a great piece of music. My friend actually challenged me recently to learn the coda of the second ballade, in response I challenged him to learn an Asturias by Albéniz arrangement for guitar (the instrument he plays). I would love to use this score to learn the coda, and if I got this sheet music I would definitely play the entire piece. Your channel was one of the first I found when I entered this new world, and it would be really cool to win this sheet music from your channel. I love your content, my favorite video of yours is probably the fourth finger video, because it changed how I think of my hand. Anyways I commend you for reading this ramble, if you got this far! Greetings from Dallas Texas!
damn, i actually read all of that
#Chopin I love chopin's ballades because they cover such a wide range of emotions in a single piece and they are just beautiful
#Chopin Ballade 2 is so concise and every moment can elicit a response from the listener. Chopin's difficult circumstances on the Mallorca Island (poor health, disagreement with publishers, unpleasant piano, and terrible weather) are reflected in this work. I like the series of trills before the coda very much, and am always surprised by pianists who manage to make remarkable crescendo when I thought they cannot give anymore. Compared with the other ballades, Ballade 2's coda is not long. But it represents despair and struggle to a great extent. Always nice to hear different pianists' interpretation of the ending where theme 1 comes back and finish in a minor key, in contrast to the title's f major.
If I can give you a hint or two : this ballade is all about economy. During the presto con fuoco for instance , when you are going up with the broken diminished chords , naturally you would tend to move the wrist or fingers too much . However , you should save as much movement as possible , trying to keep the hand naturally curved (of course you know of all that . I am sorry for preaching to the choir ) . Another thing is during that passage , the thumb from the L.H does a counter rhythm , the rhythmic made with the Left thumb will alleviate the right hand tension , because you have to go super fast . The coda is all about wrist suppleness .
#chopin ballade number 1 used to be my favourite, but after binge listening to loads of Chopin I think the 2nd is now my favourite! Chopin's music is so beautiful, always look forward to listen to the Chopin competition every 5 years 😆
I thought ballade number 1 was my fav too (I tried playing it but never finished). I love this one more than his first ballade. #chopin
Wroooong!! You gotta remember about the CODA!! Come on guys, for real?
@@SadieAddler yea ur right, Sadie. The coda is my fav part abt ballade number 1
@@SadieAddlerpreference is subjective
the fourth in f minor is untouchable, might be my favorite solo piano piece of all time
#Chopin ... his ballades (especially by cortot) were what really made me dig into classical music. His compositions always give so much room for interpretation and emotion. Different interpretations of the same piece can have totally different meanings... Also thanks Annique for motivating me to practice :)
I just finished recording this piece and honestly it's really fun to play!! So many different ways to express the same notes (especially in the A section). And the coda is 🤯
I play it a lot too. I keep on messing up the coda. I could never record that😂
It's wild how your 1 minute try would've taken me hours or days 💔
That's mad talent and dedication ✨
I would really like to have this score. I love all his ballads and find them all equally amazing. It proves again the genius of Chopin who wrote throughout his life. Indeed, when you listen to his balades you feel as if you are transported from one emotion to another as if you were tasting all the pleasures of life. I think that everyone has a favourite ballad because each ballad reflects Chopin's emotions at a given moment, therefore the emotions of a human like us. That's why I admire this second ballad, it reflects my personality the most. That's why I think that as Chopin lovers, we appreciate his music because it's so sincere, so natural. It represents the beauty of life.
If you can’t giggle your way though a sight read… are you really playing?
I used to get on my piano teacher’s nerves. 32 years later… I still giggle.
You’re incredible.
I mean... Who doesn't love #Chopin ? There is always Chopin's beauuuutifull (master)piece(s) that resonate with any of your mood that you're feeling or desire.
For example, my favorite Ballade rn is Chopin's Ballade in G minor Op.23. It's really resonate with my quarter life crisis that still happening to me. When I listen to this (1st) Chopin's Ballade, and the fact that Chopin wrote this masterpiece in his 20s (or younger) really makes me awe, inspired, emotional, and hopeful at the same time.
21 y.o. Chopin be like:
"let's make a Ballade!"
"hmm.. let's make it like you feel lost and sorrowful, yet hopeful!"
"let's add drama, tragedy, beauty, heroism, romance, and comedy too!"
"hellish thundering coda? Why not!?"
😂😂😂
Yeeeeess !! One of my favorite piece of my favorite composer and also my favorite Ballade !!
That's impressive for only an hour and 11 minutes of practice !
just learned the 4 ballades and for me:
1st ballade = special place in my heart as it's the first ballade i learned and first piece of music i learned after stopping classical piano for almost 2 decades
4th ballade = that 9:6 polyrhythm with an accent every fourth just blew my mind
these two are my favourite to play depending on how i feel that day!
#chopin I love Chopin's Ballades because they show in a nutshell almost all the techniques he mastered along his life until the moment they were written. They are wonderful Chopin 101's
#chopin, I love Chopin because of his Harmonies. The way he Makes dissonant Chords sound beautiful is just crazy. The way he uses Chromatic notes in such a harmonic way is just pure Madeness. And then there are his Climaxes which are just the definition of Emotional break downs, and his Melodies in the Lyrical sections that are just insane on their own.
The Chopin ballades are a set of the most incredible romantic works
Can you do this challenge with Rachmaninoff prelude op.32 no.12
#Chopin This piece is one of a kind.It has the F major scale giving it a naturally acoustic beauty and the style of playing "Presto con Fuoco" that gives the piece a lot of intensity and energy while it's played.In a more general view,Chopin's Ballades are hard to play but once you find the courage to put a lot of effort and deal with them,the sound production feels lovely and the whole sequence of the notes takes the player into another world,where it's him and the piano,together creating a colourful and magically enhanced result that leaves everyone speechless and with a bunch of beautiful feelings and emotions.
#Chopin I think Chopin's ballades are amongst my favourite piano pieces ever. It's fascinating how each ballade has a backstory on how Chopin was feeling or going through at the time. For instance, his 1st ballade was written when he had tuberculosis, and you really can hear how dark and little hope he had through that ballade. And this 2nd ballade was written during his tough stay at Majorca. Honestly my dream piece is Chopin ballade 4, and hopefully I can get there someday...
He has maintained worldwide renown as a leading musician of his era, one whose poetic genius was based on a professional technique that was without equal in his generation.
#Chopin
The ballades have been some of my favorite pieces I've ever gotten to learn in the past, and listening to them never gets old. They're a step above almost any of the other music I've played and I love the feeling of listening to each of them. :) #Chopin
I mastered all the Chopin ballades and from easiest to hardest I would put 2314, I think 2 and 3 is about the same difficulty, but some parts of 3 is harder than 2.
#Chopin anddd I love the way he’s able to make the piano sound like a completely different instrument and what he’s able to do with this instrument is simply amazing
Some examples for me are etude op. 10 no. 10, op. 25 no. 1, 3, 5, 8 - he has this sound that you immediately know it’s Chopin and it’s magical to me
#chopin Chopin was a pianist first and foremost and i loved what he did for the piano in general. Extending the form of studies to making them truly beautiful musical exercises was brilliant. I think Chopin is a great evolution to show people the differences in Romantiscisim and Classical music because his compostions are still fairly formal while also giving over to stuff like chromatiscism and lyrical / emotive melody writing. I just adore his stuff. Particularly his less showy stuff is still gorgeous and understated. If you haven't already; check out his Mazurkas. No way near as showy as his Waltzes but they are still wonderful pieces of music.
Hey Annique,
it would be awesome if you could try the challenge with a Baroque piece for example Bach's Goldberg Variation 1 or Variation 5.
Best regards
I love Chopin's ballades! Particularly Kristian Zimmerman's performance. He has such expression and plays them really well. His performance of Ballad no. 1 in G minor is one of the reasons why I play piano today.
#Chopin Did you know Chopin was actually left handed and sickly has whole life so pretty it’s amazing how he could compose such soulful music much less play it and that is why I love Chopin he had a hard life and instead of being grumpy and in despair he used it to make some of the best piano music and music in general ever.
This vid is awsoem. Can’t wait to see more like this. Thanks for the great content
Thanks for the video Annique! Love the 1 min, 10 min and 1 hour challenge!
Great job for 1 hour and 11 minutes - it took me several weeks to get that far when I did my amateur version of this piece in the 1980s. Funny enough, there seems to be a relict from these times in your bookshelf: aren't the silver books with the rainbow colors the "Enzyklopädie der Naturwissenschaft und Technik"? We had a copy of those back in the days.
Good fun to pass by your channel from time to time - keep it up!
I think the etudes that directly correspond with this ballade are the Op. 10 No. 10 (for the sixths and the oscillating octave/chord at the end of the coda) and Op. 10 No. 7 (for the light, richochet touch with the double notes in the coda). You could also use, for example, the Op. 57 finale of Beethoven and his WoO 80 variations to deal with the undulating double notes and octaves.
#Chopin I've just recently started piano, I've been playing for 6 months... However I've actually completed Chopin Opus 69 No 1, Rachmaninoff Opus 23 No 5, Rondo Alla Turca, and some other pieces. In terms of sound though I'm absolutely in love with Chopin. I have the Henle Chopin's Nocturnes book and absolutely love picking out pieces from there to work on. Recently I've started learning Chopin's Ballade No. 1 and just love his works. I find it interesting how a composer like Schumann wanted to fully train his hands to be able to play better and ultimately ruined his hands, however Chopin took a totally different approach and wanted to make the piano an extension of his body. The pieces Chopin wrote have such a connection and appeal to humans emotionally, even physically. I believe this was due to his theology of making the piano apart of himself rather than training for it like Schumann. He wanted piano to be natural, not forced. Become the piano, don't tame the piano. Might sound a little funky but that's at least how I view it.
The start of the presto is SOOOOO much harder and complex to sight read than it sounds, it’s such a brain twister lol
What I love about Chopin and his ballades in particular are the incredible emotional contrasts he creates. In this piece it most obvious with the sudden changes between the peaceful f major sections and the tempestuous a minor ones. #Chopin
Just fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing your methods! I will definitely try the 1", 10", 1 hour challenge on other works. This Ballade is out of range for right now. Gorgeous ~ that's what I like about Chopin ~ every note is gorgeous! ☺️✨🧡✨🎹✨💐✨
An excellent and intimidating challenge. Great dynamics and expression. Also, I liked the shirt you wore while playing.
#chopin I love that in ballads, it's like he's telling stories and you can understand everything about it.
Szia!
Hello 👋 I’m a new subscriber. I just want to thank you for what you do. I wish I had the classical education to really appreciate the music you classical pianist play. Keep on going and keep up the great content 👌
The emotion that Chopin put in these Ballades is just incredible. If you listen them again and again you will surely understand the feeling which he had when he composed them all. #Chopin
#Chopin I love Chopin (especially his ballades) because he isn’t afraid of getting dramatic. He writes these beautiful melodies, and in his more difficult pieces isn’t afraid to add touches of insane virtuosity while being able to keep the melody beautiful.
#chopin i think that ballade 4 is the best ballade out of the 4. however the coda in the 2nd is unmatched with its fiery intensity. i also really like the romantic nature of the 3rd.
Chopin seems to have put the most effort into 4. I’ve studied and played all the ballades and I honestly do believe that ballade 4 is his best piece.
#Chopin and his Ballades are one of my favorites. I've studied one of his Ballade pieces and what I noticed is that there are certain parts that require a correct interpretation of what the composer intended it to sound and be like. His pieces seems like it has it's own story which can be observe if u notice the mood and dynamics of it. Overall it's very challenging and at the same time satisfying to play and listen
Your one hour of practicing would take me months! 😂 Haha a fun challenge!
Chopin ballades have escaped my attention, probably they are lesser played by professionals? Presto con fuoco…, well, they are lesser played by amateurs for a reason. Enjoyed this session as always, made my day, what a gift to have found this channel!
I've performed no 1. Yes, I also practice by varying the rhythm/groupings. When I'm trying to master a work, I do so from the end forward, that way once I finally get to the beginning and start playing, every next measure/section is MORE practiced than the prior! That was especially useful to me for Rach's Variations on a Theme of Paganini. Imagine getting to the end (the "Crème de Menthe" variation) and THEN discovering you just couldn't handle it!
You are a great pianist. I am amazed with his talent, his interpretation conveys the emotion. Congratulations.
Annique im so glad I found your channel, Seeing you practice makes me want to play again even though I already practiced, Thank you for sharing your talents queen 🤍
#chopin Every one of the ballades shows an aspect from his life and his ideas for the time when they were composed. Really love them all specially the last one. But recently I've been listening to this one and found out that Chopin dedicated this piece to Schumann.
#Chopin I think every piece he has composed is so expressive, every dynamic and contrast he makes from one segment to another is incredible. I started playing with the nocturnes and then moved on to the ballades. Ballade No.1 in G Minor, Op.23 is my favorite, I love how it can sound slow and then it becomes dramatic, it´s something that only Chopin could composed.
Mad props to you for diving straight into the Presto section of this #chopin ballade (you could have played around with the Andantino section- and we would have loved it) and the progress you made in 1 hour *kowtow* 🙇♂
#Chopin is one of my favorite classical romantic composers, he has such wonderful and somewhat magical pieces that portrays different moods and emotions like his Ballades that strongly influences human emotions, both the listener or performer😄
Love how you say all the composer names
Chopin, i love your piece! It is rich and super sweet to hear. Unfortunately, you lived just 30 years, but your pieces still insane!
39
The whole dynamic of Chopins ballades are awesome. I loved them for too long now. #Chopin
#Chopin I just love Chopin in general. While his Ballades just sound amazing and cover a wide range of emotions, his Etudes definitely helped me learning the piano and made me fall in love with romantic music.
Next challenge: Beethoven Sonata No.8 " Pathetique" 3rd moovment. ❤
#chopin :)
This is my favorite Chopin ballade. It has the most intense coda.
This was the first time I felt this challenge was real, amazing 🤩
#chopin His melodies are incredibly emotional for me like Op. 9 No. 1 and No. 20 come to mind. His understanding of the piano is unparalleled and I’m not sure we fully grasp his music to its fullest extent. This piece in particular has such a complex right hand part but when you break apart the actual melody it’s quite beautiful. Same with his Revolutionary Etude but with the left hand. The finest piano composer in my opinion.
I’ve played no 1, 3 Uni days and tried playing through 2 and i have to say 2 has some seriously difficult technical sections more than the other ones! 😅 loved your challenge w Chopin (my fave composer). ❤️🎹🎶
I already have that edition. But you are, as usual, motivating me to practice. I am learning it just as you are, only MUCH more slowly!
#chopin Ballade no. 2 is amazing. the greatest thing about chopin is the adventure of interpreting his pieces. They are all wonderful.
#chopin all the way. I recently had a conversation with my friend on which Chopin etude was the most famous and best. It’s great to have a friend to actually talk about music, especially Chopin. 😁
#Chopin
’tis my favorite ballade too, like many dear commenters here have also stated. Though there is something eery and mysteriously haunting about this piece that eludes me every time while listening. It truly is one these feelings that cannot be found out, yet everytime this curious sensation keeps me in quest of some impossible revelation. Quite fascinating, this thing called music, is it not?
Regards,
Gregory
Hey Annique, one thing I love about Chopin’s ballades is that the original melody seems to always come back in some point of the piece, as in the first ballade, it comes back right before the coda, creating an intense amount of emotion as the same feeling was created earlier in a different key. Chopins ballades truly reveal virtuosic characteristics and are a pleasure to play (or try to play) and listen to. #chopin
I plan to do just that with my own first ballade in E minor, the first melody will always come back, even though changed
I forgot to put the #Chopin but frankly I admire what you do, your videos. Honestly, I find it very interesting and I think it allows you to share with the world this universal language that is music and therefore your passion.
#Chopin is pretty cool. His ballades are some of the few pieces I've found that allow me to actually express emotion.
#Chopin love all their works and specially the ballades, all the range of our emotions are there, in the score. Also some of the most challenging piano music you can strive for.
@/chopin I really like how diverse is the music of Chopin. It's technically difficult, but still so pleasing and blissful to listen to.
i dont even understand how people like chopin come up with stuff this complicated. I am a composer who imho can create some epic sounding solo piano music but when i play just one hand of any of my pieces it sounds extremely structured and quite basic but for example when i play the revolutionary etude when i play the left hand it sounds so off and weird until i play the right hand then it all comes together into this harmonious piece.
#Chopin what I really like about him is that every single one of his compositions is so unique, and beautiful.
wow this piece and video really captured how good you are and tested your skills. To me, this is your most impressive video and my new favourite. I love all your videos but this is so special
your videos are my motivation to keep playing
All of the #Chopin Ballades are epic and beautiful. I go through phases where my favorite Ballade changes. First I liked No.1 the most, then 4, then 3, and finally, now I like to listen to the 2nd ballade the most. I'd like to learn Chopin's 2nd Ballade before I attend music school in the fall.
You were wearing very beauty pending I liked them. I'm a beginner but I leaned a lot from your tips and follow some, love you can play a pice in one hour. Saludos Abel
#chopin the reason I'm captivated by Chopin's music is the contrast of emotions that I feel when I listen to it. Relying on a technique that goes beyond perfection he develops the most deep lyric melodies in a romantic atmosphere, until a sudden burst reflects passion and agony. Concerning the Ballades I would say that each of them is a dream that leads you to a different world when you listen to it, depending on the way you approach it every time
my trick to learning these ballades is to listen to them on repeat as i fall asleep. the issue is i can't really fall asleep to this ballade bc of this section that you're playing
#Chopin
Chopin's ballades just reach the heart of all feelings and know how to express it with music. Simply hauntingly beautiful and breathtaking, real pieces of art !
#Chopin My favourite piece of chopin is actually the etude winter wind. I´ve already started playing but i havent finished yet. Chopin is one of my favourite composers of all time.
#Chopin i love listening to you learn a new Chopin piece. I’m overwhelmed by the beauty of this ballade.
#Chopin I love Chopin’s ballades because of the variety and emotions that can be expressed with his ballades, and how each person can have such different interpretation of his music.
#chopin this actually came out at a really good time for me because I am learning this piece. I love the coda of this ballade because of how much contrast it holds from the beginning. And how it brings back the theme in a minor from f major. It’s almost a haunting memory.
#Chopin I'm learning the first Ballade right now for my diploma and it made me realize how much Chopin must have been going through... Playing his Ballades is like reading his personal diary.
Thanks a lot Annique. I love these ballades so much. This one's my 2nd favorite (after the 4th, obviously). So underrated.
You're so talented. You must have worked a lot. I'm a little bit jealous of you managing to play one page (from the hard ones) in only ONE HOUR of work, with so few mistakes.
My ultimate goal in my pianist's life is to be able to play the 4 ballades, but I'm still so far from it... I only have the 3rd ballade, and without the finale.
Your "multiple rythms" method reminds me my last piano teacher, who told me exactly the same. This must be efficient.
Once again, thank you. Your enthusiasm and your passion are an inspiration to me.
Oh, and btw I didn't write #Chopin because I don't want to win the scores 😛 I already own the 4 ballades Henle Editions, and if I want your fingerings when I'll jump into the 3 other ballades (1, 2, 4), I'll just support you on Patreon. Maybe I'll do it anyway. You deserve it.
Have a nice day 😁👋🎹🎼🎶
#chopin
I am relatively new to the wider world of piano music - up until recently, I only played the piano to earn my grade. However, since entering diploma level and being given more choice, I've learned so much about different composers and different styles. And this includes Chopin - I hadn't given him much thought before but oh my god is his music inspiring! It's often so simple and so beautiful at the same time, and deceitful I should say too - it's a real challenge to learn some of his pieces! I can't wait to delve further into his work throughout my career as a pianist (I am realising that despite being diploma level, I am just at the start of my future as a pianist)
I am currently learning this so it was really cool to see how you work certain things out!
My favourite ballade is for sure the first in G minor #chopin
#chopin Beautiful ballade. The piece covers such a wide array of emotions. One of my favorite's by Chopin.
When speeding up parts I usually pick a speed I can play it at then continue to raise the tempo by 2-4 for every accurate run until it is where I’m trying to get it to
I love your videossss! 😍 Can you do scherzo no. 3, please?
#chopin his ballades has been said to be four pillarstones of his works. Also i find it interesting that his Polonaise-fantasie is is called his ”fifth ballade”
#chopin I am still at the start of my Chopin and general piano journey, and feel like I have so much more of his work to explore, but there is something so enveloping in his music. It kind of weaves in and out of your emotions in quite a unique and relatable way. It can sound dark, but rather than being depressing, it is more like a mirror to explore your own feelings in, or a framework to help give some structure and help process what you're feeling. And also just really beautiful!
#chopin I feel like Chopin is just talking about its experiences and I kinda feel for him, it's almost he's a close friend who tells you everything.
Chopin is one of my favorite piano composers I love the pure romanticisme of his gorgeous pieces I always have minimum a chopping song in my repertory #Chopin
guys it’s me! also the new fit is fire
I also practice with different rythms for the same reason you explained but also because it helps ceep the practicing interestig