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Chopin's 4th ballade in WBMP (Patreon-preview)
🕑 Added 2023-05-31 11:50:40 +0000 UTCHi everyone!
Something special for you - Chopin's 4th ballade, played by Alberto in a tempo given by Theodor Kullak (1818-1882). Unfortunately we do not have any tempo indication from the composer for any of his ballades. But we do have many Chopin marks given by Kullak. Kullak, forgotten today but a really important name, student of Carl Czerny. Furthermore, the metronome marks given by Kullak are in line with those we have from Chopin for other compositions. That shouldn't surprise us too much since many of the 19th c. MMs are within margins from each other. You won't find for pieces with similar notation complete different (or "personal") tempi. A Beethoven allegro is comparable to a Chopin allegro which is comparable to a Tchaikovsky allegro and so on.
You are the first to get a pre-listen to the ballades in this new fashion. Also new is the use of pedal, restricted to the indications Chopin left. Indications that, according to his pupils were very precise. Yet neglected as much today as are the original MMs... Plus you'll notice that of the modern "Chopin-Rubato" there is not much left. In that time and certainly Chopin as well, the endless shifts of tempi as much of his music is performed today, a basic tempo was supposed to strictly adhere to. Alberto might be the very first since a loooooong time doing all of that.
You'll find Kullak's score as a pdf attached to this post.
Enjoy and... let us know your initial reaction and impressions!
Hartelijk,
Wim
Comments
Incredible! Like Alberto's version of the preludes, one can hear how Chopin's compositions were sometimes, like his friends said.. an attempt to write on paper his improvisations. At these speeds one can imagine the man sitting and improvising this stuff. Just makes sense and sounds great! We can appreciate the true complexity of the music.
Such clarity at this tempo! Chopin is revealed as a true follower of J.S. Bach. His arabesque-like variations of the main theme serve as models for all melodists, including jazz improvisers. The intricate and even progressive harmonies come through powerfully. I was especially excited to hear arpeggiated augmented triads, which, in all the times I've heard this piece, I didn't appreciate before. Thanks much, Alberto and Wim!
Bravo, Alberto! Thank you so much for this. What a revelation to know that a mind such as Chopin’s once existed, and what a joy to find it brought back to life through this incomparable music. Keep going, and give us more.
Thank you!
Initial reaction is just chock. This may be the first piece of this kind, played in this way, that I've ever heard. Alberto does again a perfect job. I don't imagine many mainstream Chopin fans liking this though, doesn't sound like music for you to marvel at or be excited, rather a portrait of really melancholic moods.
W O W !!! It represents the range from clarity and pensive calm all of the way to the very passionate energy that I so dearly longed for in Chopin.
Wow. I never realized this is a large piece. Stripped of it's insane rubato, I doubt they would play this at the Chopin Competition. This version sounds extremely authentic to me. Starts out with a walk in the park and ends with them meeting Jack the Ripper! This music has been played hyper-romantic for so long. I find this performance dark, gritty and a bit disturbing. I love it! Thanks Alberto!
