The Fantaisie-Impromptu has become one of his best-loved (and most frequently performed) compositions, yet the composer was adamant that he did not want this music published. And for a very particular reason: Chopin composed it during his first years in Paris, and he knew that its impetuous opening, which he marks Allegro agitato, bore a very close relation to the Impromptu of Ignaz Moscheles, a resemblance that would have been obvious to anyone who heard both works. The music is quite “black” on the page, an impression confirmed by the opening section, which is in agitated motion. The central episode, a Largo in D-flat Major, is built on a melody that much later was used in the popular song “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows”. The return to the opening material is abrupt, and the music races to its close when Chopin suddenly reins matters in and concludes with a brief reminiscence of the tune from the central episode.
Classical Music | Piano Music
Frédéric Chopin
Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp Minor, Op. 66 Play
Recorded on 01/04/2012, uploaded on 05/01/2012
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
The Fantaisie-Impromptu has become one of his best-loved (and most frequently performed) compositions, yet the composer was adamant that he did not want this music published. And for a very particular reason: Chopin composed it during his first years in Paris, and he knew that its impetuous opening, which he marks Allegro agitato, bore a very close relation to the Impromptu of Ignaz Moscheles, a resemblance that would have been obvious to anyone who heard both works. The music is quite “black” on the page, an impression confirmed by the opening section, which is in agitated motion. The central episode, a Largo in D-flat Major, is built on a melody that much later was used in the popular song “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows”. The return to the opening material is abrupt, and the music races to its close when Chopin suddenly reins matters in and concludes with a brief reminiscence of the tune from the central episode.
More music by Frédéric Chopin
Mazurka Op 41 N° 2
Mazurka Op. 33 No. 1 in g-sharp minor
Waltz Op 34 N° 2
Mazurka Op 67 N° 4
Nocturne in D-flat Major, Op. 27, No. 2
Prelude in F major, Op. 28, No. 23, Moderato
Impromptu no. 3 in G-flat major, op. 51
Barcarolle in F-sharp Major, Op. 60
Mazurka Op 63 N° 2
Fantasy, Op. 49
Performances by same musician(s)
Sonatine
Scherzo No. 1 in b minor, Op. 20
Rhapsodie espagnole
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