http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--ykTqoQnqI
This nocturne by Chopin was written during the Romantic Period. I have learned how to play it and analyzed it with my piano teacher for the past few months. It's definitely one of my favorite piano pieces, Chopin being my favorite composer. Chopin captures the idea of the romantic period especially well in this nocturne.
For starters, it has a very solemn mood, despite it being in a major key. While typically music in major keys is 'happy' sounding, this nocturne still carries emotion with it besides happiness. With its complicated tonality and use of accidentals to create strange or suspended chords, the song is more complex than the music of the baroque or classical period (especially baroque). Comparing Bach's work with Chopin's definitely shows this difference. Baroque music was simple and linear, with overlapping melodies that repeated (ex. Fugues). They didn't have any dynamics, since they were played on harpsichords, which were incapable of dynamics. The introduction of the piano allowed developements like dynamic markings that allowed for more expression and emotion.
Chopin uses these developments to his advantage. With big swooping phrases and leaps between octaves, while the left hand plays the chord progression, this song displays a great solemn yet positive and light tone.
Nice analysis! I like how you pointed out it's complexity in mood and tone. I also liked how you made comparisons between Romantic music and music from previous eras, showing how Baroque music was simplistic. A job well done!
ReplyDeleteGreat selection Clara! As you said, Chopin is able to portray emotions very well through beautiful melodies, no matter what key. I'd love to hear you play this piece sometime! :)
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