5 Interesting Things To Know About Chopin's Concertos
Frederic Chopin
The Final Round of the National Chopin Piano Competition will feature performances of Chopin’s piano concertos by the six finalists with the Frost Symphony Orchestra.
As excitement builds for the Competition, and to enrich your listening experience (either in the concert hall or through the live internet broadcast), we offer 5 interesting facts about these venerable works.
Piano Concerto No. 1 was written when Chopin was only 20 years old and was first performed as a solo by Chopin himself during a concert before leaving Warsaw.
Piano Concerto No. 2 was technically Concerto No. 1. Though Concerto No. 1 was published first, Chopin composed Concerto No. 2 a year before he composed what we now know as “Concerto No.1.”
Chopin had some help with these compositions. Ignacy Feliks Dobrzyński (1807-1867) and Tomasz Nidecki (1807-1852), are believed to have assisted in the orchestration of his piano concertos.
Concerto No. 1 requires a variety of instruments: a solo piano, flutes, oboes, clarinets, and bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, tenor trombone, timpani and strings. A typical performance of the piece lasts about 40 minutes. Eighteen of the twenty-six contestants have selected to perform Concerto No. 1 if they are one of the finalists.
For pianists, Concerto No. 2 is incredibly difficult to play. The final sections are widely regarded as technically demanding. Eight of the contestants have chosen to perform Concerto No. 2.
This February, everyone can enjoy the live Competition performances — and more! The preliminary, quarter, and semi-final rounds of the competition are free and open for all! Come experience the magic of Chopin’s music performed by young American pianists on the verge of an international career.
The final rounds (February 29 and March 1) are ticketed events, with the six finalists performing the Chopin Piano Concerto of their choice. To experience the excitement of these brilliant young American pianists as they vie for the top prize of $100,000, buy tickets to the finals now.
(In case you are not familiar with Chopin’s two concertos, please listen to these recordings below.)