Piano Concerto No. 2

   Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21   (1829–1830)

                      A very good article on this concerto

              "As I already have, perhaps unfortunately, my ideal, whom I faithfully serve, 

               without having spoken to her for half a year already, of whom I dream, in 

               remembrance of whom was created the adagio of my concerto..."  

                                                                           Chopin to Tytus Woyciechowski, 3 October 1829.



                   
         Arthur Rubinstein, piano.  London Symphony Orchestra, André Previn, cond.  (1975)

                  1.  Maestoso (F minor)  (6:40 - Last half of the movement)  

                              We pick up this movement in the midst of a powerful, minor key 

                               orchestra surge, and we can hear the strings cross-talking with the 

                               woodwinds.  The piano then reenters, gently at first, then building in 

                               a Beethoven-ish intensity as the music moves toward a triumphant 

                               ending.  




         Khatia Buniatishvili, piano - Jean-Claude Casadesus, cond  (unknown orchestra)

                  2.  Larghetto (A-flat major)  (5:40 - Last 2/3 of movement)

                              This slow movement is one of Chopin's most famous compositions. 

                              It was inspired by his distant admiration for the Polish soprano 

                              Konstancja Gładkowska (1810–1889) for whom the 19 year old 

                              Chopin had romantic feelings.  

                              The movement has a dreamy atmosphere much like a Chopin nocturne.  



                  3.  Allegro vivace (F minor - F major)  (9:10)

                              This is a rondo with a lively spirit.