Chopin’s Revenge – A Suite of Four Virtuosic Piano Solos by Tom Connell

A tribute to the master himself, Chopin’s Revenge is a dazzling suite of four solo piano pieces, each infused with the spirit of Chopin’s virtuosity while pushing boundaries into new expressive territories. Featuring breathtaking arpeggios, delicate flourishes, and masterful contrasts of light and shade, these compositions showcase technical brilliance while weaving in moments of beautiful, dissonant impressionist jazz harmonies.

The first piece in the series, Chopin’s Revenge I: "Under the Hammer", sets the tone with its electrifying energy and intricate passagework, capturing both the elegance and raw intensity of the piano.

More to come—immerse yourself in the world of Chopin’s Revenge!

Chopins Revenge

Chopins Revenge I. - "Under The Hammer"

🎬 VIDEO

Chopins Revenge - I. "Under The Hammer"

Chopin’s Revenge – II. "The Piano Hasn’t Been Drinking" by Tom Connell

A playful yet masterful variation in the Chopin’s Revenge suite, The Piano Hasn’t Been Drinking nods to Tom Waits with its wry humor while delivering a dazzling display of pianistic brilliance. Full of fluid arpeggios, whimsical flourishes, and expressive rubato, the piece playfully teeters between classical elegance and a more intoxicated, jazz-inflected charm.

While firmly rooted in Chopin’s virtuosic style, this composition dances through unexpected harmonic turns, impressionistic dissonances, and off-kilter rhythms, creating a uniquely mischievous and unpredictable character. Both technically outstanding and rich in personality, The Piano Hasn’t Been Drinking is a witty and captivating addition to the suite.

Chopins Revenge - II. "The Piano Hasn't Been Drinking"

Chopin’s Revenge – III. "Joanna’s Regret" by Tom Connell

The third piece in the Chopin’s Revenge suite, Joanna’s Regret is a deeply expressive solo piano work that captures a sense of longing and introspection. Rich with Chopin-esque virtuosity, delicate arpeggios, and sweeping flourishes, this composition also ventures into haunting impressionist jazz harmonies, adding a unique modern touch.

The piece unfolds with a melancholic yet graceful elegance, weaving moments of tenderness and passion through intricate passagework and dynamic contrasts. With its heartfelt melodies and evocative harmonies, Joanna’s Regret tells an emotional story—one of nostalgia, sorrow, and unresolved yearning.

A showcase of both technical brilliance and profound emotion, this piece is a must-listen for lovers of expressive, virtuosic piano music.

Chopins Revenge - III. Joanna's Regret

Chopins Revenge - III. "Joanna's Regret"

Chopin’s Revenge – IV. "Broken Keys" by Tom Connell

The final piece in the Chopin’s Revenge suite, Broken Keys is a fiery and dramatic solo piano work that pushes both technique and emotion to the limit. Combining dazzling Chopin-esque flourishes with jagged, almost percussive dissonances, this piece captures the raw energy of a piano seemingly on the verge of breaking apart.

From cascading arpeggios to thunderous low-end chords, Broken Keys alternates between moments of delicate beauty and bursts of unrestrained power. Impressionist jazz harmonies weave through the turbulence, adding unexpected color and tension to the piece. A fitting finale to the suite, Broken Keys is both a testament to the piano’s expressive range and a thrilling ride for any listener.

Chopins Revenge - IV. Broken Keys

Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849)
Frédéric François Chopin was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic era, widely regarded as one of the greatest masters of piano music. Born on March 1, 1810, in Żelazowa Wola, Poland, Chopin showed prodigious talent from an early age, performing in Warsaw's salons by the age of seven.

At the age of 20, Chopin left Poland, eventually settling in Paris, which became his creative home. Despite his fragile health, he became a central figure in the city's vibrant artistic circles, forming lasting relationships with luminaries like Franz Liszt, George Sand (his lover and muse), and other leading artists of the time.

Chopin's compositions are celebrated for their lyrical beauty, innovative harmonies, and technical brilliance. His works for solo piano include 21 nocturnes, 24 preludes, 27 études, 4 ballades, and 2 piano concertos, as well as numerous waltzes, polonaises, and mazurkas that reflect his deep connection to Polish folk music. His Études, in particular, revolutionized piano technique and remain a cornerstone of the instrument’s repertoire.

A deeply expressive and introspective artist, Chopin’s music bridges the gap between classical traditions and the emotive Romantic spirit. His compositions are characterized by a delicate balance of virtuosity and poetic depth, earning him the nickname "the poet of the piano."

Chopin's health deteriorated in his later years due to tuberculosis, and he passed away on October 17, 1849, at the age of 39. His legacy endures, influencing generations of composers and pianists. Today, his works remain beloved by audiences worldwide, a tribute to his unparalleled contribution to classical music.

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