Chopin's 4th ballade in WBMP (Patreon-preview)
Added 2023-05-31 11:50:40 +0000 UTCHi everyone!
Something special for you - Chopin's 4th ballade, played by Alberto in a tempo given by Theodor Kullak (1818-1882). Unfortunately we do not have any tempo indication from the composer for any of his ballades. But we do have many Chopin marks given by Kullak. Kullak, forgotten today but a really important name, student of Carl Czerny. Furthermore, the metronome marks given by Kullak are in line with those we have from Chopin for other compositions. That shouldn't surprise us too much since many of the 19th c. MMs are within margins from each other. You won't find for pieces with similar notation complete different (or "personal") tempi. A Beethoven allegro is comparable to a Chopin allegro which is comparable to a Tchaikovsky allegro and so on.
You are the first to get a pre-listen to the ballades in this new fashion. Also new is the use of pedal, restricted to the indications Chopin left. Indications that, according to his pupils were very precise. Yet neglected as much today as are the original MMs... Plus you'll notice that of the modern "Chopin-Rubato" there is not much left. In that time and certainly Chopin as well, the endless shifts of tempi as much of his music is performed today, a basic tempo was supposed to strictly adhere to. Alberto might be the very first since a loooooong time doing all of that.
You'll find Kullak's score as a pdf attached to this post.
Enjoy and... let us know your initial reaction and impressions!
Hartelijk,
Wim
