The Chopin Podcast Season 1 Episode 1: PRELUDES
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Oct 2, 2024 
Garrick Ohlsson, a renowned pianist and Chopin expert, leads a vibrant discussion on the emotional depth of Chopin's 24 Preludes. Alan Walker, a biographer of Chopin, unveils the composer's struggles while creating these masterpieces, while music critic Jed Distler evaluates iconic recordings that bring these works to life. They explore the intricacies of performance, the influence of J.S. Bach, and the historical significance of Chopin's time in Mallorca. This captivating conversation shines a light on the intricate beauty and legacy of Chopin's music.
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Make The Clock Speak
- When performing A-flat prelude, consider keeping the final bass note strong while the right hand diminishes to mimic a clock's unyielding strike.
- Try both approaches and choose the one that suits your interpretation and taste.
Corrections Reveal Deliberation
- Chopin's manuscript corrections in Prelude No.12 reveal meticulous revision despite its improvised-genre roots.
- The scratches suggest Chopin treated preludes as carefully crafted miniatures, not offhand improvisations.
Bach's Voice Under Chopin's Texture
- Chopin embeds Bach-like chorale voice structures beneath his textures, linking his preludes to Bach's contrapuntal tradition.
- This hidden polyphony gives Chopin's figuration preludes a chorale-like underpinning.