Chopin: Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23 | Pianist: Heegan Lee Shzen 李胜

Finishing up the complete set of Chopin's 4 Ballades, here is the famed and probably most popular one - Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23. I have always had a love/hate relationship with this piece. Reason being is because it is achingly beautiful and passionate, but at the same time, played many times by pianists all over the world to the point where it gets a bit boring if the interpretation becomes just focused on the technical skill aspect of this - especially if it just becomes a competition of who can actually make it through the fiendishly difficult coda without any mistakes. But each time I take a break from this piece and come back to it, I'm always reminded by Chopin's pure genius in his piano writing. This piece just soars with emotion from being in complete unawareness of what is going to happen, to outbursts of passion clearly shown by Chopin's singing melodic lines, big chords, and rich accompaniment. And of course, the Coda at the end which is horribly treacherous, yet, so satisfying to play and pour out every single gamut of the human emotion possible. Chopin completed writing his Ballade No. 1 in 1835 after moving to Paris, and he dedicated it to Baron Nathaniel von Stockhausen, who was the Hanoverian ambassador to France. I hope everyone enjoys my interpretation of this piece - One of Chopin's most popular and one of his greatest compositions - The Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23, which is universally loved by many around the world. Please like, comment, share & subscribe! Thanks! More performances and new arrangements/covers of songs to come! Feel free to visit my website to find out more about me and follow me on social media here: Website: www.heeganlee.com Instagram: @heeganleepianist Facebook: heeganleeshzen18 #Chopin #ChopinBalladeNo1 #FredericChopin