The pianist decided to perform a quieter ending to this Chopin prelude. It has the nickname, 'Funeral March', although it isn't the tune we associate with his piano sonata No.2 third movement. However; this is strident and morose with its block chords in a minor key.
Sad and devoid of hope, this Chopin composition was played at his own funeral. It has been popular in recent film and TV productions including 'The Pianist' and 'The West Wing'.
Joyous upbeat waltz for solo classical guitar written around 90 years before a few bars of it became the most popular ringtone in history when used by Nokia in the 1990a. A classic that has become a digital classic!
Only sixteen bars long, this is a beautiful prelude. Graceful, serene and delicate it allows the listener to relax and unwind in a calm and peaceful way. Used in many productions and commercials worldwide.
Chopin composed many mazurkas, (a Polish folk dance), and this is one of his most familiar. Not too fast, but swirling and with a light playfulness, it has a calmer interlude before resuming the dance.
This gavotte, (French folk dance), for guitar is playful and buoyant. You can visualise the dancers from years gone by having fun at gatherings and parties. Fun and celebratory.
A solo guitar piece with hugely Hispanic and Latin overtones. This habanera, (or dance of Havana), has a wonderful swaying theme which transports you to exotic places and bars. Great for travel sequences.
A delightful waltz for guitar by Francisco Terrega. Sweet and bright, the melodies jump around in a positive and upbeat way. The whole track is happy, lively and full of joy.
An emotional and complex piano solo which is alleged to be Chopin's attempt to reflect his unhappiness in Vienna. It has been widely used in films, (such as 'The Pianist'), and even in video games, 'Fallout 4').
The start to this Chopin waltz is elegant and almost sedate. But then the contrast is shown by very fast sections that leave you whirling and spinning with delight.
Bold and distinctive piano melodies and chords ring out with regal and noble fashion. This is the first promenade in the suite, 'Pictures at an Exhibition', which depicts a tour around an art gallery or collection.
Light, delicate and playful this was originally written for piano and has since become very popular with guitarists. Very much in a Spanish style it reflects on childhood with love and affection.
Bristling with energy, this lively waltz for solo piano surges with huge confidence and presence. Requires great skill from the performer to keep up with the pace. Regarded by some as the first of Chopin's waltzes to be published.
Dancing melodies bounce and sparkle in this glorious waltz for piano. A calmer section allows you to get your breath back before reverting to its sprightly and up-tempo feeling.
Delicate lullaby for piano written by Chopin as variations on a theme. It showcases the inventiveness of the composer as ideas evolve. Lose yourself in this sweet and mellow composition.
The tempo instruction on the score is 'molto vivace', (very lively), and it certainly is swift and joyous. A very famous piece which is used as the theme for the hugely popular BBC radio show 'Just A Minute'.
One of Chopin's twenty four preludes which starts very quietly. A note repeats like the pitter-patter of raindrops. A more intense section rises like a heavy storm shower before fading away to leave us with the soft sound of the light raindrops again.
Beautiful melodies glide with effortless grace at the start of this famous Chopin piano solo. It becomes more intense before a soft ending. Used in many productions such as the James Bond film 'The Spy Who Loved Me'.
A very popular composition which has been used on countless productions and adverts. A lilting melody above a waltz like accompaniment gets more complex and intense as we're taken on an emotional journey.
A tender start to this lovely piano solo. The middle section rises with increasing emotion before settling down with the piece ending very much as it had started in a calm and peaceful way.
