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Scherzos

Scherzo No.1, Op.20

Frédéric Chopin (1832)

DifficultyAdvanced
Duration10:26
Notes5,361
OpusOp.20

Description

The first of Chopin's four scherzos opens with a dramatic burst of forceful chords before settling into a gentler middle section quoting a Polish Christmas carol, creating a striking contrast between turbulence and calm. With a very high note count and substantial length, it is a demanding, large-scale work requiring sustained concentration and stamina.

Works in scherzo form, known for its playful character, including Chopin's four scherzos that blend wit with dramatic power.

About the Composer

Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)

Frederic Chopin was born in Poland and made his career in Paris, remaining unusual among great composers for writing almost exclusively for piano. He poured his longing for his homeland into mazurkas and polonaises, while his ballades and etudes combine poetic melody with harmonic innovation. This site includes 131 of his works, including the "Revolutionary" Etude, Op. 10, No. 12, and Ballades No. 1 and No. 4.

View all works by Chopin
Scherzo No.1, Op.20 - Frédéric Chopin | Visual Piano