Program Notes - Chopin Marathon, 2 March 2025

Frédéric Chopin’s 4 Scherzi, written between 1839 and 1843, are some of his most dramatic and virtuosic works, combining playful energy with emotional depth. These pieces, full of contrasts, express a complex mixture of lightness, melancholy, and intensity. Each scherzo is a masterpiece of technical difficulty and musical innovation, providing the pianist with both technical challenges and expressive opportunities.

Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 20 (1839)

The first scherzo opens with a stormy, sweeping theme, creating an immediately dramatic atmosphere. This is contrasted by a more lyrical middle section that brings a sense of calm. Near the center of the piece, the music transitions into a slower section in B major. This section, marked Molto più lento, is notably lyrical and features a tangible melody in the middle register, surrounded by accompaniment in both the left and upper right hands. Here, Chopin introduces a quote from an old Polish Christmas carol, Lulajże, Jezuniu (Sleep, little Jesus), a peaceful lullaby contrasting with the earlier stormy sections. The scherzo ends with a vigorous and dramatic coda, closing with energy and power.

Scherzo No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 31 (1837-1838)

The second scherzo opens with a deeply melancholic theme, full of lyrical beauty, which is soon interrupted by a playful, lively secondary theme. The piece moves between somber and lively sections, creating an emotional depth that showcases Chopin’s ability to express both sorrow and joy. The scherzo closes with a virtuosic coda, featuring a brilliant, energetic finish. This work is emotionally complex, balancing darker, more introspective moments with lighter, almost ironic passages.

Scherzo No. 3 in C# minor, Op. 39 (1839)

The third scherzo is expansive, dramatic, and highly virtuosic. It opens with a lyrical theme, but the mood quickly shifts to a more powerful and agitated character. The middle section offers a contrasting lyrical theme, providing a brief respite from the intensity. The piece ends with a virtuosic coda that features sweeping runs and demanding passages, showcasing Chopin’s intricate contrapuntal writing and emotional depth. This scherzo is one of the most ambitious of Chopin’s works, demonstrating both the technical demands and emotional complexity he was capable of.

Scherzo No. 4 in E major, Op. 54 (1842)

The fourth and final scherzo is the most refined and elegant of the set, beginning with a light, airy theme that evokes a sense of grace. There is a playful, dance-like quality to this scherzo, but it is balanced by a darker, more dramatic middle section. This scherzo has a lighter character compared to the others, with a more transparent texture and a sense of wit. The piece ends with a virtuosic coda that challenges the performer to execute rapid passages with precision and clarity, bringing the work to a brilliant conclusion.

Written by Phu Koanantakool