It is Chopin and water, and
Gallic eau sucree at that. The piece is written tastefully, is
not difficult, but woefully artificial. Published in 1833, it was
dedicated to Miss Emma Horsford. In May, 1851, appeared the
Variations in E, without an opus number. They are not worth the
trouble. Evidently composed before Chopin's op. 1 and before
1830, they are musically light waisted, although written by one
who already knew the keyboard. The last, a valse, is the
brightest of the set. The theme is German.
The Fantaisie, op 13, in A, on Polish airs, preceded by an
introduction in F sharp minor, is dedicated to the pianist J. P.
Pixis. It was published in April, 1834. It is Chopin brilliant.
Its orchestral background does not count for much, but the
energy, the color and Polish character of the piece endeared it
to the composer. He played it often, and as Kleczynski asks, "Are
these brilliant passages, these cascades of pearly notes, these
bold leaps the sadness and the despair of which we hear? Is it
not rather youth exuberant with intensity and life? Is it not
happiness, gayety, love for the world and men? The melancholy
notes are there to bring out, to enforce the principal ideas.
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