master class Boris Berman teaches Chopin: Scherzo No. 1 Treasures of the Masterclass Media Foundation

Although "scherzo" means "joke" in Italian, Chopin’s Scherzos are far from evoking some kind of humour. Scherzo No. 1, which requires a lot of technical ability, shows this tragic atmosphere. Chopin was 25 years old when he wrote it and he was in the middle of his most emotional and passionate creation phase. While the November Uprising against the Russian Empire was in full swing, the composer dedicated this work to his friend Thomas Albrecht, who convinced him of staying in Vienna, far from his Polish family, in order to dedicate himself to his musical career. However, it is not unlikely that this piece reports Chopin’s emotions in time of war, or tells the story of the rebellion of his country, Poland.

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