A Gentle Stroll in the Classical Garden with Frédéric Chopin, Part 2 of 2

Frédéric Chopin was one of the most original, gifted, and uplifting artists of the 19th century. He mesmerized audiences with his technically astounding yet poetically expressive performances. In his short lifetime, he gave only 30 large public concerts, preferring his intimate, glorious music to be played in smaller gatherings, such as in the salons of Paris, where he spent the latter years of his life. Let’s now enjoy the third movement of Chopin’s Piano Sonata No.3 in B minor. The sonata was dedicated to Countess Emilie de Perthuis, and is considered to be one of Chopin’s most technically difficult compositions. This third movement is “Largo,” meaning with a slow tempo. It starts with a dotted rhythm moving in a steady pace, before the middle section transforms the mood with a more dream-like texture. Finally, the main theme comes back, with a purling accompaniment in triplets. The piece is performed by the exceptional, award-winning Polish pianist, Mr. Grzegorz Niemczuk. His music not only embodies, but transcends, Romanticism with its poetic, harmonic universally empathic expressions. Let’s listen to the final movement of Chopin’s Piano Sonata No.3 in B minor played by the amazing vegan professional pianist, Dr. Chang Shao-Hsun from Taiwan, also known as Formosa. This piece is infused with vigor and inexplicable coalescence of energies and brilliance, all of which require full strength and technical virtuosity from the pianist. Frédéric Chopin, what a musical gift from God! We thank Dr. Chang Shao-Hsun, Mr. Grzegorz Niemczuk, and all of the other talented musicians for allowing us to enjoy the extraordinary works of Chopin.