Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 Op.11

For many Chopin fans, the Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, op. 11 is the most beautiful of the two concerts he composed for this musical genre. This work was composed in 1830 and opened in October of the same year in Warsaw, in one of the last concerts that Chopin performed before leaving Poland and going to Paris, France. The concert is dedicated to pianist Friedrich Kalkbrenner, a close friend of Chopin.

The concert follows a classic structure with regard to the nature of fast-slow-fast movements, although as we have seen, each one has a very innovative internal form. Here we will hear the brilliant interpretation of the great pianist Arthur Rubinstein.

Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, op. 11 – Brief Analysis

1. First Movement
2. Second Movement
3. Third Movement

Allegro Maestoso (E minor)

The 1st movement is the longest of the three as is usual, in fact it is almost half the total duration of the concert. the two main themes are presented: the first in E minor and the second in E major. The Pianist makes his entry with the same initial theme as the orchestra. The music that emerges from the piano reveals a lyrical and very expressive melody.

Romance: Larghetto (E major)

The 2nd movement Romance – Larghetto again does not follow the usual rules starting in the same hue as the first movement, not maximizing the contrast as was common practice. However, contrary to what some musicologists claim, this continuity may have been perfectly voluntary. Chopin writes to a friend saying that this movement must be understood as an immobile contemplation of a beautiful summer night. This movement has the atmosphere of one of its nocturnes with the piano showing a melody of capricious ornamentation and very poetic music. Is this also your favorite part of this beautiful Chopin show?

 

 

Rondo: Vivace (E major)

To conclude this brief moment by listening to this wonderful composition by Chopin. We will now conclude with the 3rd movement (Rondo – Vivace) which is based on a Polish folk dance from the Kraków region, a Rondo full of vitality.