PlayPiano
The short answer
Fantaisie-Impromptu, Op. posth. 66 is an impromptu by Frédéric Chopin from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 9, an estimate.
- impromptu
- Romantic
- dreamy
- stormy
- hand independence
- voicing
History
Chopin’s Fantaisie-Impromptu was not published until after his death. Its surviving sources have no title, so the familiar title should not be treated as Chopin’s own wording.
Sources
What to listen for
Two rhythmic layers
The upper sixteenth-note line enters softly over lower sextuplet figures. Hear the four-against-three relationship without making every note equally prominent.
Accents shape the motion
The upper part grows stronger. Accents pick out notes inside the continuing fast figure, creating a clear shape within the motion.
Return to the opening figure
The source marks a tempo and piano as the earlier running figure returns. Reset the character as well as the speed.
A broad transition
The upper part rests through two bars marked Largo and pesante. Listen for the transition rather than mistaking the upper rests for silence in the whole piece.
A singing middle section
Moderato cantabile and sotto voce introduce a longer upper melody with ornamental turns. Let the sustained notes sing through the smaller gestures.
How to practise it
Separate the rhythmic layers, then give the fast and singing sections distinct characters.
- Understand each rhythmic layer before combining them.
- Bring out selected accents instead of making every fast note equally loud.
- Give the cantabile melody a sustained line through its ornaments.
How hard is it
The advanced-to-concert proposal concerns reliable coordination and sustained contrast across the entire acquired Fantaisie-Impromptu. Playing a lyrical episode alone is a different learning target.
About this piece
- Licence
- Public Domain
- Source
- mutopiaproject.org
More by Frédéric Chopin
- Prelude in A major, Op. 28 No. 7Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
- Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9 No. 2Level 7, estimatedWith Maestro
- Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52Level 10, estimatedWith Maestro
