(October 2020) Episode 286 is FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN. Mr. Piano’s technical wizardry was balanced by delicate textures and melodic harmonies, inventing ways a piano could telling a musical story. The intimacy of his works contrasts with the over-wrought flourishes that can burden Romantic-era music. His dedication to composing almost exclusively on piano (avoiding operas, cantatas, lieder, etc.) is commendable and refreshing, and made for an enjoyable episode.
Favorite piece: Piano Sonata #2 (including the famous “Funeral March”)
Favorite small piano piece: Polonaise in A♭ major (“Heroic”)
Favorite orchestral piece: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2
Compared to expectations: same
Opus Project 