Uploaded January 2017 | Updated September 2026, 28 minutes ago
Cantabile in Bb: 0:00
Fugue in Am: 1:01
Both of these pieces being composed in Chopin's last decade of life, they were both published over fifty years after the composer's death. The cantabile is a short and pleasant piece, showing some typical Chopinesque qualities. It is quite clear why he chose to not publish the piece; the superficial harmonies are incomparable to the great depths found in his other pieces he composed at the time. While the exact date of composition is unclear, this piece was written pretty close to the publication of his Op. 27 Nocturnes, around 1833.
The fugue is a bit more interesting. Chopin was always inspired by Bach, but his earlier works barely contained any counterpoint. While some could be found in his early Op. 4 Sonata, he only really started experimenting in his later years. This fugue was written around the time he was composing the great Ballade in F minor, perhaps functioning as an exercise for his first real debut in counterpoint. While sporadic mentions could be found in the earlier ballades, the fourth one was the first one where it was really utilized. The fugue may not be a masterpiece in itself, but it acts as a preview of a style of Chopin we barely got to see.
Performance by Aya Higuchi.
imslp.org/wiki/Cantabile_in_B-flat_major,_B.84_(Chopin,_Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric)
imslp.org/wiki/Fugue_in_A_minor,_B.144_(Chopin,_Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric)
Cantabile in Bb: 0:00
Fugue in Am: 1:01
Both of these pieces being composed in Chopin's last decade of life, they were both published over fifty years after the composer's death. The cantabile is a short and pleasant piece, showing some typical Chopinesque qualities. It is quite clear why he chose to not publish the piece; the superficial harmonies are incomparable to the great depths found in his other pieces he composed at the time. While the exact date of composition is unclear, this piece was written pretty close to the publication of his Op. 27 Nocturnes, around 1833.
The fugue is a bit more interesting. Chopin was always inspired by Bach, but his earlier works barely contained any counterpoint. While some could be found in his early Op. 4 Sonata, he only really started experimenting in his later years. This fugue was written around the time he was composing the great Ballade in F minor, perhaps functioning as an exercise for his first real debut in counterpoint. While sporadic mentions could be found in the earlier ballades, the fourth one was the first one where it was really utilized. The fugue may not be a masterpiece in itself, but it acts as a preview of a style of Chopin we barely got to see.
Performance by Aya Higuchi.
imslp.org/wiki/Cantabile_in_B-flat_major,_B.84_(Chopin,_Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric)
imslp.org/wiki/Fugue_in_A_minor,_B.144_(Chopin,_Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric)
