Frederic Chopin Barcarolle in F-sharp major, op. 60 by Archie Chen Pianist

I absolutely adore the Chopin Barcarolle. There are many reasons why I love this piece of music, but some of the main ones are its stunning melody, its rich and complex harmonies, and its emotional depth.

First and foremost, the melody of the Barcarolle is absolutely beautiful. It is both lyrical and expressive, and Chopin's skillful use of phrasing and ornamentation adds to its overall beauty. The melody moves through a range of emotions, from tender and delicate to intense and passionate. I find myself humming along every time I hear it.

In addition to its beautiful melody, the Barcarolle also features rich and complex harmonies. Chopin's use of chromaticism and modulations adds layers of depth and color to the music, and the way he combines different chords and harmonies is truly masterful. I am always amazed by the way the harmonies in the Barcarolle support and enhance the melody.

Finally, I love the Barcarolle because of its emotional depth. This piece is not just a pretty melody with fancy harmonies; it is a deeply emotional and expressive work of art. The music conveys a wide range of emotions, from wistfulness and longing to joy and exultation. I am always moved by the way Chopin is able to convey these emotions through his music.

Overall, the Chopin Barcarolle is a masterpiece, and I could listen to it over and over again. It is a true work of art, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to experience its beauty from a performer's perspective.

In 1845, the Barcarolle was composed among other mazurkas and songs. It is known for its captivating sound and its fiery, passionate expression. By coincidence or design, the last of the three Mazurkas, Op. 59, ends with a transition to the bright key of F sharp major. Interestingly, the Barcarolle also begins in F sharp major, which is a rare key for Chopin. Throughout the piece, the key of F sharp major plays a significant role, as the music frequently departs from and returns to it.

The exact circumstances under which Chopin came up with the idea for the Barcarolle are unknown. Chopin never visited Venice and only briefly saw Italian landscapes and atmosphere on a boat trip. It is possible that the idea and form of the barcarolle came from existing works in the genre, particularly those by Rossini and Auber. All of these composers' operatic barcarolles were well-known to Chopin and could have influenced his composition.

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Piano: Fazioli F278
Recording Engineer: David Bjur
Piano Technician: Dave Severence
This track was recorded at Washington State University on June 26th, 2019.