Andante Spianato Op. 22 by Frederic Chopin Classical Guitar - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.899150

For solo classical guitar  -  5 pages

Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849)

Chopin was born in Poland but spent his twenty or so creative years based in Paris. With his supreme mastery of the keyboard and inimitable compositions for the instrument he became a luminary of the Romantic era. Afflicted early on by consumption, he worked with a tireless intensity to produce piano compositions both intricate and perfect, of every style and mood. Pears Cyclopaedia makes this discerning tribute: ‘A Chopin melody, limpid, transparent, singing, can be recognised easily by anyone, but his style gradually developed into something more subtle, more satisfying than pure melody.’

The Andante spianato (spianato means 'smooth') was composed in 1834 as an introduction to the Grande polonaise brilliante. The quiet introductory section of the Andante, in 6/8, is rounded by a chordal trio and a more processional 3/4. A serene middle section adds contrast, floating through upper octaves in quintessential Chopin style.