8 Polonaises by Frédéric Chopin (Vinyl record album review)

Album name: 8 Polonaises

Composer name: Frédéric Chopin

Performer name: Peter Frankl

Year: 1964?

Number of discs: one

Label: Yorkshire Records

Collection: Brenner / Gessner

Distinguishing characteristics: “G” written on top left of album, indicating that my father owned it

Buy it on Ebay: $5.50

My review

Level of familiarity before listening

I’m familiar with Chopin, but I doubt that I would be able to identify any of his music.

What I expected

I associate Chopin with the piano, and specifically with études, but my musical education left me unable to define “études” (studies… of something), and I think of his compositions as short but energetic. I have no idea what the relationship is of a polonaise to an étude.

What it was actually like

I thought this was interesting and enjoyable, but no part of it was catchy or memorable.

I did not catch if there were any instruments at all besides the piano. I wonder if Chopin ever considered writing for multiple instruments, or if he even knew how to play other instruments. Some people are just really into the piano.

Op. 53, in A Flat Major sounded familiar at parts, and was the most lively and entertaining of the pieces.

Grade

3/5: interesting, but not for me