Accompanied by the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, the Chinese pianist Yuja Wang plays Frédéric Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21. Conductor: Michael Tilson Thomas. This performance was recorded at the Tokyo NHK Hall on November 22, 2016.
Frédéric Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2
Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21, though labeled as his second, was actually composed before his Piano Concerto No. 1, making it his first major orchestral work. Completed in 1830 when Chopin was just twenty years old, the concerto exemplifies his youthful, lyrical style and his mastery of the piano. At this time, Chopin was still living in Warsaw, and his compositions were heavily inspired by the Romantic aesthetics that were then becoming popular in Europe. This concerto, dedicated to his early love, Konstancja Gładkowska, reflects his Romantic fascination with longing, beauty, and nature, capturing both his artistic passion and youthful sentimentality.
One of the concerto’s most notable features is its focus on the piano over the orchestra. The orchestration remains relatively simple, a decision some early critics questioned for its lack of dramatic impact. However, Chopin’s emphasis on the piano allowed him to showcase his unparalleled skill as a pianist and composer for the instrument. This concerto reveals Chopin’s poetic approach to the piano, with lush, singing melodies and intricate ornamentations that capture his unique sensitivity. His piano writing here is highly expressive, using lyrical lines and technically demanding passagework to showcase the instrument’s full range, from delicate intimacy to brilliant, virtuosic power. This characteristic use of the piano would become a hallmark of Chopin’s style, and he elevates the instrument to a voice capable of conveying deep emotion and nuance.
Despite its early composition, Piano Concerto No. 2 introduces many of the hallmarks of Chopin’s mature style. The melodies are full of Polish folk influences, subtle rhythms, and harmonies that reflect the nostalgic and nationalistic elements so often present in his works. This folk influence, which Chopin would continue to develop, gives the concerto a unique flavor, blending Western Romanticism with Polish sensibilities. The concerto also reflects Chopin’s delicate yet powerful command over the instrument, allowing for both brilliant displays of technique and moments of hushed reflection that would later characterize his nocturnes.
Since its premiere, Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 has become one of the most beloved works in the Romantic repertoire, celebrated for its intimate lyricism and Romantic expressiveness. While it might not have the orchestral complexity of other Romantic concertos, it more than compensates with its emotional depth and pianistic beauty. Its melodies are some of Chopin’s most memorable, leaving a lasting impression on listeners with their elegance, charm, and profound feeling. This work stands as an important milestone in Chopin’s development as a composer and remains a testament to his artistic vision and sensitivity.
Movements
Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 has three movements. With start times in the video:
- 00:04 Maestoso
- 15:16 Larghetto
- 24:06 Allegro vivace
1. Maestoso
The first movement of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2, marked Maestoso, opens with a dramatic orchestral introduction that sets a dignified and somewhat somber tone. This initial section introduces the main themes in F minor, establishing a sense of anticipation before the piano enters. The orchestra plays a prominent, rhythmic theme, which contrasts with more lyrical passages that reveal a subtle romantic undercurrent. This opening provides a firm foundation, allowing Chopin to set the stage for the piano’s entrance, where the true emotional and expressive depth of the piece unfolds.
When the piano finally enters, it brings a new sense of intimacy and lyricism, introducing a melody that is both tender and passionate. Chopin uses the solo piano to create a lyrical, singing line that feels almost like a vocal aria. The piano takes on the role of a storyteller, weaving intricate, ornamented passages that showcase Chopin’s unique touch and his ability to create poetry through sound. His writing for the piano in this movement is both technically demanding and expressive, featuring rapid arpeggios, cascading scales, and ornamental runs that add to the emotional intensity.
The dialogue between the piano and orchestra continues throughout the movement, with the piano frequently taking the lead. Chopin’s orchestration remains relatively simple, acting as a supportive backdrop that allows the piano’s melody to shine. The contrasting themes reappear in various forms, each time becoming more elaborate as Chopin develops them with subtle variations. This interplay creates a balance of tension and release, particularly when the piano explores different registers and dynamic levels, adding richness to the movement’s emotional landscape.
The Maestoso reaches its peak in the cadenza-like passages near the end, where the piano takes center stage with virtuosic brilliance, before concluding with a powerful restatement of the main theme. This first movement encapsulates Chopin’s Romantic spirit, combining technical prowess with lyrical beauty and emotional depth. It is a powerful opening that draws the listener into the concerto’s intimate yet grand world, showcasing Chopin’s ability to blend virtuosity with poetic sensitivity.
2. Larghetto
The second movement of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2, marked Larghetto, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful and intimate expressions of his Romantic style. This slow, lyrical movement opens with a delicate orchestral introduction, setting a soft, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The music unfolds with an air of nostalgia and tenderness, creating a mood that feels both wistful and contemplative. Here, the piano takes on a lyrical, vocal-like quality, as if singing a deeply personal song. When the piano enters, it introduces a melody that is exquisitely graceful and flowing, marked by long, expressive phrases and gentle, ornamented figures that highlight Chopin’s sensitivity to nuance.
The piano leads with a gentle line that feels introspective, as if quietly musing over some private thought or memory. Chopin’s phrasing in this movement reflects his profound sense of poetry, with each note carefully placed to evoke a sense of longing. There are subtle pauses and shifts in dynamics that add to the expressiveness, allowing the melody to breathe and unfold naturally. The Larghetto features some of Chopin’s most refined piano writing, with delicate embellishments that enhance rather than distract from the main theme.
At one point, the music grows more intense, as the piano introduces a contrasting middle section with passionate, almost stormy chords and runs. This shift provides a moment of heightened emotion, as if the calm reverie has been briefly interrupted by a surge of deeper feeling. However, this intensity soon subsides, and the movement gently returns to the original theme, now imbued with a deeper sense of resolution and peace. The movement closes in a delicate, almost whisper-like manner, with the piano gently fading away.
The Larghetto captures Chopin’s ability to express profound emotion with simplicity and elegance, drawing the listener into a world of refined beauty and heartfelt expression. It is a moment of lyrical calm within the concerto, showcasing the poetic, introspective side of Chopin’s musical personality.
3. Allegro vivace
The third movement of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2, marked Allegro vivace, is a lively and spirited finale that brings the concerto to a joyful, dance-like close. This movement is heavily inspired by Polish folk music, particularly the mazurka, which adds a distinct rhythmic character and nationalistic flavor. The orchestra introduces a playful theme with a strong rhythmic pulse, setting an energetic pace that immediately engages the listener. When the piano enters, it takes on this rhythmic motif, embellishing it with brilliant, fast-paced runs and lively ornamentation that showcase Chopin’s virtuosity.
The piano and orchestra engage in a vibrant dialogue, with the piano leading in complex, cascading phrases that alternate with light, buoyant responses from the orchestra. The mazurka-inspired rhythm adds a sense of rustic charm, grounding the movement in a distinctly Polish character. Chopin’s piano writing here is technically demanding, with rapid scales, trills, and arpeggios that require both agility and precision, reflecting the celebratory mood and injecting a sense of joy and freedom into the music.
Midway through the movement, Chopin introduces a more lyrical theme that contrasts with the lively opening, offering a moment of melodic sweetness amidst the rhythmic energy. This theme is light and graceful, allowing the piano to explore a softer, more flowing quality before returning to the upbeat, dance-like motifs. The interplay of these contrasting themes adds richness to the movement’s structure, providing moments of both vigor and lyricism.
As the movement progresses, Chopin increases the intensity, building toward a thrilling conclusion. The piano’s virtuosic passages grow even more elaborate, with dazzling runs and flourishes that lead to a grand, exuberant ending. This Allegro vivace movement encapsulates the spirit of celebration, blending technical brilliance with folk-inspired charm and ending the concerto on an energetic, triumphant note. It captures Chopin’s affinity for Polish musical traditions, bringing a sense of national pride and lively character to the concerto’s finale.
Sources
- Piano Concerto No. 2 (Chopin) on Wikipedia
- “Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concerto No.2 in F minor” on the Classic FM website
- Piano Concerto No.2, Op.21 (Chopin, Frédéric) on the International Music Score Library Project website
- “Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2” on My Classical Notes website
- Piano Concerto No. 2 (Frédéric Chopin) on L.A. Phil website
