More Chopin

I had considered writing about this when I was enjoying the fine Chopin vodka in my previous post, but I thought drinking Chopin, While listening to Chopin, while reading about Chopin, and then writing about Chopin would be just a little redundant.    So, I waited like a patient man, did a little more reading, and was shocked by what I learned.  

Interesting to note, that Chopin, was not always considered the genius that we consider him today.  This should not have been a surprise, many composers are not recognized during their time, but I was under the impression that Chopin was different.   That everyone knew he was special.  Schumann exclaimed, "Hats off,  gentleman, a genius!" Berloiz and Liszt also recognized him, but it was a comment by Liszt that caught, stating that posterity would rank him very much higher then his contemporaries did.

Who were Chopin's contemporaries, certainly more then Liszt, Schumann, and Berloiz.   Sometimes we forget there were many more composers then the ones who actually survive history's brutal onslaught.   John Field, who has not totally been forgotten, had this to say about Chopin's music, that it was "music for the sick -room."    Kalkbrenner said, "There are spots on the new star."   It is difficult to know what he was refering to, but it seems his intentions on Chopin's music was clear.   History has been brutal to Field and Kalkbrenner, it sometimes seems as if they never existed; Kalkbrenner's music is never played, and Field is remembered mostly for just  a few of his Nocturnes.   Most of the time, when I mention John Field, most people seem to think I am referring to a tractor.

I do say my dear chap, I do believe she finds my nocturne quite sexy.

Though for whatever reasons, the music of Chopin endured, some pieces large, but also the small pieces.  The short Marzurkas, waltzes, whom to many at the time, were maybe considered after thoughts, but have went on to outlive many larger works of the time period.

Only scratching the surface here, I shall have to return to Chopin's music soon, for a deeper look at some of his pieces.

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