Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Xipeng (class of 2024) and features Chopin’s Ballade in G Minor, Op. 23. Thanks, Xipeng!

Frédéric Chopin – Ballade No. 1 in g minor, op. 23

Portrait of Chopin by Louis Gallait (1843)

The Op.23 Ballade is undoubtedly one of Frederic Chopin’s most representative works, and it was created between 1831 and 1835, during Chopin’s first few years in Paris. Completed in 1835 and published a year later it was followed by three more in this new genre: Op.38 Ballade in F Major, Op.47 Ballade in A-Flat Major, and Op.52 Ballade in F minor, published in succession till 1842. Discussion of the genre “ballade” is inevitable. It has been said that Chopin created a new genre in applying the titles of these pieces, at least for his own purposes.

According to Edward Hirsch, the English “ballad” represents a narrative song, a poem that tells and preserves a story orally. There are several vital features Hirsh mentions regarding the ballad that are relevant to the interpretation of Op.23 Ballade’s structure: an abrupt introduction, an emotionally intense refrain and overall a voice of an individual representing the community. In composing the Op.23 Ballade, Chopin was influenced by personal turbulence in midst of a turbulent social environment; thus, he expressed inner struggle and nostalgia, which, at the same time, also represented other Polish emigres’ grief and indignation and his own homesickness for the old country.

As Robert Schumann wrote in 1836: “It seems to me to be the work closest to his genius (though not the most brilliant). I even told him that it is my favorite of all of all his works. After a long, reflective pause he told me emphatically: ‘I am glad, because I too like it the best, it is my dearest work’”. The g minor ballade is unique being the representative of the public voice during the 1830s and the epitome of that specific era; meanwhile, it can still appeal to the audience’s sympathy and inspire imagination when performing in the 21st century.

Our library has many different pianists’ recordings of Chopin’s Ballades. Feel free to check out books/scores/CDs at the music library!