What were Chopin’s qualities as a pianist?
In what forms did Chopin compose?
In what form was Chopin most successful?
In which of his compositions is the national spirit strongly evident?
What characteristics do we note in Chopin as a composer?
Name some representative compositions.
What composer influenced Chopin’s piano style in his early life?
What celebrated musicians were friends of Chopin?
LESSON XLVI.
Franz Liszt.
The piano music of Chopin and Schumann reached the highest level attained during the Romantic period, in subtle originality of style and deep human sentiment, respectively. Notwithstanding their preëminence in these particulars, a master was destined to come who summed up the entire development of piano technic in his achievements, the greatest virtuoso of the century, to whose influence all piano playing since has been obliged to acknowledge its indebtedness. In addition, his services in breaking away from symphonic tradition, in achieving propaganda for various composers of epoch-making works, including Wagner, in giving up himself as teacher without remuneration, are equally significant.