Chopin and the G minor Ballade

The purpose of this work is to make a general presentation of Chopin, the age in which he lived, his G minor Ballade and selected editions of the Ballade. I will also compare five recordings of the G minor Ballade, and make a presentation and a recording of my own interpretation of the G minor Ballade. This work discusses his life up to the time the Ballade was published, Chopin’s development as a composer, and the period in his life when the Ballade was composed. Background material on the history of the Ballade as a genre and its development is included to give the reader an enhanced contextual understanding. The issue as to whether Chopin had a literary model when composing the G minor Ballade and his relationship with the Polish writer Adam Mickiewicz is discussed. This work considers the issue of form in the G minor Ballade, Chopin’s personality, how Chopin played, his use of the term ‘tempo rubato’, and how he used improvisation and composition. Criticisms made with respect to the different editions of Chopin’s music are reviewed. Five recordings of the G minor Ballade from the years 1926, 1960, 1982, 1985, and 1998 are compared to each other. Described is that one can hear different interpretations of the G minor Ballade. The difference is because the various pianists do not exactly follow the score. Finally my own interpretation and recording of the G minor Ballade is offered.Validerat; 20101217 (root