The Romance of Chopin

It’s almost Valentines Day! So why not honor a composer from the Romantic Period?

Whenever I hear works by Chopin, I have a plethora of mixed emotions. Infact, they are so mixed, I think I will have a better time describing visually how I feel. Listening to Chopin has me walking in the crisp Spring air on a beautiful cobblestone street in Europe (Nocturne No. 2 in E flat Major Opus 9) . Listening to Chopin has me crying quietly in the corner of my couch after having realized something sad following just a tad too much red wine (Nocturne No. 20 in C Sharp Minor (Op. Posth). Listening to Chopin has me manically tidying up my home before a guest arrives (Minute Waltz #6, Opus 64 No. 1 and Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor, Op. 20) .

But what about the Prelude in E Minor, Op. 28, No. 4? I find this piece tricky to “see”. On one hand it feels a bit sad. On another it feels peaceful and complete. What do you think?

Here is a wonderful performance of this Prelude by Jan Vermeire. Thank you, Jan for helping me appreciate classical music and for all of the other wonderful ways in which you touch my life.

Take a listen and “see” what you hear.