It is no
desire to exaggerate this side of his nature that impels this
plain writing. Chopin left compositions that bear witness to his
masculine side. Diminutive in person, bad-temper became him ill;
besides, his whole education and tastes were opposed to scenes of
violence. So this energy, spleen and raging at fortune found
escape in some of his music, became psychical in its
manifestations.
But, you may say, this is feminine hysteria, the impotent cries
of an unmanly, weak nature. Read the E flat minor, the C minor,
the A major, the F sharp minor and the two A flat major
Polonaises! Ballades, Scherzi, Studies, Preludes and the great F
minor Fantaisie are purposely omitted from this awing scheme.
Chopin was weak in physique, but he had the soul of a lion.
Allied to the most exquisite poetic sensibilities--one is
reminded here of Balzac's "Ce beau genie est moins un musicien
qu'une dine qui se rend sensible"--there was another nature,
fiery, implacable. He loved Poland, he hated her oppressors.
There is no doubt he idealized his country and her wrongs until
the theme grew out of all proportion.
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