The Best of Classicals

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Chopin: Balladen

Ballade No. 2 in F Major, Op. 38

Chopin - Ballade No. 2 in F Major op. 38

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, pianophiles, and adventure seekers alike, prepare to embark on an auditory journey like no other. Today, the great pianist Archie Chen will perform Leopold Godowsky's mesmerizing Study no. 4 in A minor "Ignis Fatuus" – a composition so delightfully treacherous it will leave you questioning the very limits of human dexterity.

From the mind of Godowsky, the mad scientist of piano, comes a set of 53 arrangements that would make even Chopin's most nimble fingers tremble in fear. Schonberg once quipped that they are "the most impossibly difficult things ever written for the piano," and we dare say he wasn't far off the mark!

But what's all this about Ignis Fatuus, you ask? A term that conjures images of spectral lights and ghostly marshes, it refers to the deceptive luminous phenomena that have haunted folklore for centuries. These mischievous lights, known as Will o' the Wisps or Jack o' Lanterns, have been said to lead travelers astray, luring them to their untimely doom. Whether the spirits of the drowned or the souls of unbaptized infants, these eerie orbs have captured the imagination and terror of many a night wanderer.

And so, the stage is set for Archie Chen's spellbinding rendition of "Ignis Fatuus." Listen in awe as he transfers Chopin's already devilish right-hand etude into the left hand – a feat of pianistic prestidigitation that would leave even Houdini gasping for breath. As the haunting melody flits and flickers like the enigmatic lights it emulates, you may find yourself lost in its bewitching allure.

But fear not, dear listener! For Archie Chen is your guide through this labyrinth of notes, and he shall lead you safely back from the brink of pianistic pandemonium. So sit back, relax, and let the otherworldly beauty of Godowsky's Study no. 4 in A minor "Ignis Fatuus" wash over you like a mysterious, flickering flame.

And remember, don't follow the light... unless, of course, it's Archie Chen's dazzling fingers dancing across the keyboard!

My SoundCloud Channel: @archie-chen
Official Website: www.archiechen.com
Youtube DIPF www.youtube.com/c/PianofestivalIe
Youtube Archie www.youtube.com/c/ArchieChenPianist
Festival Website: www.pianofestival.ie
Teaching Website: www.pianoacademy.ie

Unedited live recording
Piano: Hamburg Steinway B
Piano Technician: Martin Walsh
Recording Engineer: Joey McDonald
Piano provided by Pianos Plus

Frédéric Chopin Etude in A minor op. 10 no. 2+Leopold Godowsky Study no. 4 in A minor "Ignis Fatuus"

Ballade No. 3 in A Flat Major, Op. 47

Chopin - Ballade No. 3 in A Flat Major op. 47

Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 9: No. 2

Chopin - Nocturne in E Flat Major op. 9 No. 2

Nocturne in F Major, Op. 15: No. 1

Chopin - Nocturne in F Major op. 15 No. 1

Nocturne in F Minor, Op. 55: No. 1

Chopin - Nocturne in F Minor op. 55  No. 1

Frederic Chopin, Waltz In A Minor, Op Posth


Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso Boku to Kimi to no Ongakuchou 四月は君の嘘 僕と君との音楽帳 (Download) 

(MP3/320K/BK) Release (2014.11.19)

Tracklist 

01 Piano Sonata No. 14 <Moonlight> Third Movement
02 Violin Sonata No. 9 <Kreutzer> First Movement
03 Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso
04 Étude in C-sharp minor, Op. 10, No. 4
05 Étude in A minor, Op. 25, No. 11 <Winter Wind>
06 Étude in E minor, Op. 25, No. 5
07 Love’s Sorrow
08 Love’s Sorrow (Piano Solo Version)
09 Étude in D-sharp minor, Op. 8, No. 12
10 Clair de Lune
11 Pavane Pour une Infante Défunte
12 ‘Waltz’ from “The Sleeping Beauty” (Piano Duet Version)
13 Étude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12 <Revolutionary Étude>
14 Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23


05 Étude in A minor, Op. 25, No. 11 <Winter Wind>

Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso Twinkle Little Star (四月は君の嘘 トゥインクル リトルスター) 

08. Chopin: Étude in E major, Op. 10, No. 3 Farewell

Etude in E Minor Op 25 No 5 ''Wrong Note'' - Chopin

European Melodies

Glanes de Woronince: Complainte (Dumka)

Liszt - Glanes de Woronince – Complainte (Dumka) (Live)

Glanes de Woronince: Mélodies Polonaises

Liszt - Glanes de Woronince – Mélodies polonaises (Live)

Scherzo No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 31

Chopin - Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31 (Live)

GBMJG1511712

Chopin - Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 (Live)

Mazurka in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 63, No. 3

Chopin - Mazurka in C-sharp minor, Op. 63, No. 3 (Live)

Mazurka in B-Flat Minor, Op. 24, No. 4

Chopin - Mazurka in B-flat minor, Op. 24, No. 4 (Live)

Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune is the third movement of his Suite Bergamasque, written for solo piano and completed in 1905. The title, meaning “Moonlight,” is inspired by Paul Verlaine’s poem, evoking a serene and reflective atmosphere. The piece epitomizes French Impressionism, focusing on mood and imagery over traditional form.
Structure and Atmosphere

The piece is in ternary form (ABA):

    Opening (A):
    A soft, flowing melody emerges over delicate arpeggios. The music feels weightless, like moonlight shimmering on water. Debussy uses rich harmonies and seventh chords to create a dreamlike quality, with a tender, introspective mood.

    Middle Section (B):
    The dynamics intensify, with fuller textures and soaring melodic lines. This section brings a sense of emotional depth and urgency, contrasting with the calm opening. Arpeggios cascade dramatically, giving the impression of moonlight suddenly brightening or revealing hidden beauty.

    Closing (A):
    The opening material returns, slightly varied, fading into a gentle, whisper-like conclusion. The piece ends as quietly as it began, leaving a sense of stillness and wonder.

Musical Features

    Harmonics: Debussy’s use of whole-tone scales, parallel chords, and non-functional harmony creates a suspended, ethereal soundscape.
    Melody: The lyrical melody floats effortlessly above the accompaniment, expressing both simplicity and emotional depth.
    Texture: Light, transparent textures alternate with moments of lush, resonant fullness, embodying the interplay of light and shadow.

Mood and Interpretation

Clair de Lune evokes the quiet magic of a moonlit night, combining serenity with subtle melancholy. Its poetic quality invites listeners to imagine moonlight reflecting on a calm lake, whispering through trees, or illuminating a tranquil landscape. The music feels timeless, blending stillness with fleeting moments of intensity.

Cultural Impact

This iconic piece has been widely used in films (Ocean’s Eleven, Twilight) and pop culture, often accompanying scenes of romance, nostalgia, or quiet reflection. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to evoke deep emotion while remaining understated.
Performance Notes

Expressive dynamics, fluid phrasing, and careful pedaling are essential to capturing its delicate atmosphere. A balance between freedom and control ensures its dreamlike flow remains intact.

Clair de Lune is a masterpiece of impressionistic music, celebrated for its ability to transport listeners into a realm of quiet beauty and introspection.

The Best of Classicals

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