(piano)
Chopin
Fantasy Impromptu
Study in E flat. Op. 10
Study in C sharp minor, Op. 10 Scherzo in B minor. Op. 20
Chopin's Fantasy Impromptu, as all pianists are aware, is a most Attractive piece, though its quick opening section is apt to prove a stumbling-block for unskilled fingers. The middle section brings a slow, lyrical melody which a few years ago was used as the basis of a popular song.
Of the two Studies from the first book, the one in E fiat features widely spread chords with rich, kaleidoscopic harmonics; that in C sharp minor is brilliant and impassioned.
It was when he was in his early twenties, and soon after he had left Poland, that Chopin composed his Scherzo in B minor. Not long before, he had received news of the revolt in Warsaw, and there can be no doubt that in this tempestuous Scherzo he gave vent to his feelings; in the middle section, which forms such a striking contrast to the rest of the work, he introduced a Polish Christmas carol 'Sleep, little Jesus, sleep'.
(Harold Rutland)