PlayPiano
The short answer
Ballade No. 2 in F major, Op. 38 is a ballade by Frédéric Chopin from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 9, an estimate.
- ballade
- Romantic
- gentle
- stormy
History
Chopin completed his Second Ballade in 1839 and published it in 1840. Its opening in F major leads to an ending in A minor. He dedicated it to Robert Schumann, who had dedicated Kreisleriana to Chopin the previous year.
Sources
What to listen for
Quieter paired contours begin the piece
The pickup leads into quieter paired singing contours over related support. Hear their connection before the later running contrast arrives.
The song comes back with a changed continuation
Tempo I recalls broader singing values, but the continuation changes. Recognise the return without expecting a note-for-note repetition.
Gathering motion renews the fast texture
The stretto-marked span gathers into renewed Presto running figures. Follow the increase in motion across the phrase, not an inferred practice tempo.
Quieter final gestures change the ending
The final gestures become quieter and slower. Hear their contrast with the preceding density as the piece settles.
How to practise it
Keep the opening pulse calm as chordal support appears.
- Practise the opening repeated Cs with gentle consistent attacks.
- Practise the lower repeated support first, then add the upper pairs and dotted gesture selectively.
- Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.
How hard is it
Quiet lyrical sections contrast with fast, forceful passages; maintaining control through the abrupt changes and demanding closing section makes this advanced concert repertoire.
About this piece
- Licence
- CC0
- Source
- musescore.com
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
