#pianosolo
Chopin-Allegro de concert in A Major, op.46(1841)
This is among Chopin’s more ‘bizarre’ pieces, only because of the mystery around its origins. I think what makes the most sense is to see this as a revision of a draft of what would have been a third piano concerto. Back in 1830, Chopin claimed to be planning a concerto for two pianos that he would play with one of his best friends on a return to Poland after (hopefully) a victory…would probably be something exhuberant and of nationalistic character. However he never got around to writing this double concerto. A decade later, he publishes this, which sounds a lot like an opening movement of a piano concerto without orchestra. There are a lot of moments where it sounds like the orchestral interlude, as opposed to moments that sound like the “soloist” elaborating on the main melodies. Anyone who is familiar with Alkan’s fiendish concerto for solo piano would probably agree that they can ‘hear’ the invisible orchestra as well. Either way, this is probably Chopin’s most outwardly virtuosic piece and among his most difficult, for its dense textures and multiple voices (again, writing for both soloist and orchestra). Critics seem to find this work less compelling than Chopin’s other masterpieces, and it is rarely performed or even talked about. I think there is more appeal beyond the historic curiosity. The themes are fun, and their transformations are powerful.
Quite Interesting! Yes, it does evoke the feeling of the presence of an invisible orchestra, which creates an atmosphere without playing a single note. It sounds a bit like a blend of a Mozart Sonata and concerto.
