Night, Memory, and Imagination: The Romantic Piano Tradition

The piano became the defining instrument of the nineteenth century because it could capture both the grandest emotions and the most intimate reflections. Centered on the music of Chopin and the composers who inspired and followed him, this lecture explores the poetic traditions of the nocturne, ballade, and mazurka. Participants will discover how John Field established the nocturne as a musical genre, how Chopin transformed it into a vehicle for profound artistic expression, and how later composers such as Samuel Barber, Karol Szymanowski, and Thomas Adès engaged with this legacy. Through these works, we will consider how composers use music to evoke memory, storytelling, longing, and imagination, creating some of the most personal and enduring works in the piano repertoire.

Featured Concert Repertoire to be Explored:

Chopin: Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23
ohn Field: Three Nocturnes
Barber: Nocturne "Homage to John Field", Op. 33
Chopin: Ballade No. 3 in A-flat Major, Op. 47
Chopin: Ballade No. 2 in F Major, Op. 38
Szymanowski: Three Mazurkas, Op. 20
Thomas Adès: Three Mazurkas, Op. 27
Chopin: Ballade No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 52

Taught by Julliard Extension instructor and pianist Derek Wang.