Bergerac. - My first book of Chopin: 23 favorite pieces in easy piano arrangements

The seventh Prelude from Chopins 24 Preludes, Op. 28, composed when he was 26. The music is really a delicate waltz, made up of rhythmically identical two-measure phrases. Originally in the key of A major, this version states the melody alone in the easier key of G major, then adds a simple bass line. The music is light, airy and elegant. Play it at an easy-going walking speed.

The middle section of the Mazurka in G minor, Op. 67 no. 2, composed the year Chopin died. This is a song full of longing for his homeland, Poland. A sad tune, played quietly, as though lost in thought about times past. Our version is a whole-step higher than the original, played in the key of A minor.

The theme of Chopins Berceuse [bear-SIRS], Op. 57, originally in D-flat major and in 6/8. Here in G major, our notation in 3/4 is much easier to play, yet captures the original feeling. Since Chopin never married and had no children, it is not surprising that this lullaby is the only composition of this sort among his works. (Compare this to music by his contemporary Robert Schumann, who had a huge family and wrote many piano pieces for, and about, his children.)

The main theme of Chopins Mazurka, Op. 67 no. 2a different section of the music on page 7 (A Plaintive Chopin Melody). The Mazurs were country folk living near Warsaw, the capital of Poland. The mazurka [mah-ZOOR-kah], one of their popular national dances, was known as early as the 16th century, and was a particular favorite of Chopin, who wrote more than 60 of these dances for piano. Some are bold and lively; others, plaintive and dreamy.

Chopins Op. 68 no. 3, composed when he was 19, but not published until 20 years after his death at the age of 39. Heres a totally different face for the mazurka: this time its a jaunty, light-hearted, and very youthful dance piecethe exact opposite of the plaintive mazurka on page 10. As you play, picture the bright, heel-tapping movement of happy, young dancers.

The Etude in E major, Op. 10 no. 3, originally in 2/4. This version in F major presents one of Chopins most beautiful melodies, known all over the world for its lovely simplicity. Since tude [AYE-tood] means a study, this famous piece seems to be Chopins study in a full, singing tone at the keyboard, with a gently rocking accompaniment in the left hand. Our version in 4/4 doubles all the original note values (quarters instead of 8ths) for easier reading.

A complete version of the gentle French waltz introduced on page 6. Among Chopins works, the title Prelude has no special meaning. Of his 24 pieces with this title, some are sketches barely a minute long; others are quite developed and theatrical. With its two-measure rhythm played eight times, Prelude No. 7 presents a challenge to shape the music in an interesting way, with varying dynamics (degrees of loud and soft) as you move from phrase to phrase.

The theme of the famous Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9 no. 2 (here, in G major), composed when the frustrated and disappointed 20-year-old Chopin was still unknown to the music world. The title nocturnemeaning night piecehowever, was invented by composer-pianist John Field, an Irishman almost 30 years older than Chopin. But it was Chopin who captured the worlds attention with 21 magnificent nocturnes composed over the last dozen years of his life.

The Nocturne, Op. 55 no. 1, originally in F minor, now a whole-step higher, in G minor. Chopins nocturnes have been called love poems of the finest ardor, and within each one an intimate human drama is explored. As you learn this sweet-sad music, what do you hear? What story may be hidden behind those eloquent melodies? (Or is there no story at all?)

The lyrical slow theme from Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23, here in C major. Some say that this is the work that awakened the music world to the genius of young Frdric Chopin. Listen to a recording of the original piece if you can: This perfect blend of heart-melting poetry and electrifying power has been called a glowing masterpiece.