No classical pianist can fail to study Frederick Chopin. In a word, before Chopin, there was no Chopin. His stylistic genius combines the implorative with the indicative. He cannot be compared to other composers for the piano. He is unique. In the words of Robert Schumann, Chopin’s music can be described as “a cannon buried among flowers.” Here are links to a) public domain sheet music of Chopin, b) the Chopin Society of Warsaw, c) recommended Rubenstein recordings for purchase, d) Chopin’s article in Grove’s Music Dictionary, and e) a page with quotes by Chopin himself.:

Sheet music: http://www.sheetmusicarchive.net/single_listing.cfm?composer_id=4

Chopin Society, Warsaw: http://www.chopin.pl/spis_tresci/index_en.html

Suggested Purchase:  http://www.amazon.com/Arthur-Rubinstein-plays-Chopin-Box/dp/B000002S59

Groves Music Dictionary: http://w3.rz-berlin.mpg.de/cmp/chopin.html

Quotes by Chopin: http://www.ourchopin.com/quotes.html 

Gleanings from Music History, Part 1

Today I learned about Schubert in music history class. What a fascinating man-gifted with melody, almost frivolous with harmony. Key changes left and right. After class I listened to his Sym. No. 5 in B-flat, 1st mvt. The last 30 seconds are pretty much glory.  The orchestra loses all division and is simply a blend of sound. I want to conduct that work someday.

My love of orchestral conducting was provoked Saturday evening when I sang with an orchestra–all I wanted to do was be in the conductor’s position.

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