discovering chopin
Hi everyone,
Welcome to my blog!
I have been thinking for a long time about creating a small space on my website where I can share thoughts about music, piano teaching, and beautiful pieces that inspire me and my students. So here it is — the very first post.
In this blog I would like to write regularly about music I love, pieces my students are working on, and interesting moments from the piano world. Sometimes it may be a short reflection about a composer, sometimes a story from a lesson, or perhaps a recording from a special place.
For this first post, I would like to talk about one of the composers who is closest to my heart: Frédéric Chopin.
Chopin – Poetry at the Piano
Chopin’s music is often described as poetry for the piano, and it truly feels that way. His pieces are deeply expressive, intimate, and full of subtle colors. Unlike many composers of his time, Chopin wrote almost exclusively for the piano, and he understood the instrument in an incredibly natural and expressive way.
For pianists, his music teaches not only technique but also listening, breathing, and shaping musical phrases. Every note matters.
The “Raindrop” Prelude
At the moment, one of my students is working on the famous Prelude in D-flat major, Op. 28 No. 15, often called the “Raindrop Prelude.”
The nickname actually does not come from Chopin himself. According to stories told by George Sand, Chopin’s companion, the piece reminded her of the sound of falling rain. When you listen carefully, you can hear a repeated note throughout much of the piece, almost like steady raindrops in the background.
The music begins peacefully and gently, with a calm atmosphere. But in the middle section, the mood suddenly becomes darker and more dramatic, almost like a storm passing through. Then the calm returns again.
For students, this piece is wonderful because it teaches tone control, patience, and musical storytelling. It shows how even simple musical ideas can create a powerful emotional journey.
Chopin’s Nocturnes
Another part of Chopin’s music that I love very much is his Nocturnes.
These pieces are among the most lyrical works ever written for piano. The melodies often feel like a human voice singing above delicate accompaniment. Playing Chopin’s nocturnes is always about finding the right balance between freedom and control, expression and simplicity.
Recently I recorded a video performing Chopin’s Nocturne in C-sharp minor in the beautiful Predigerkirche here in Zurich. It was a special moment, because the acoustic of the church creates a very intimate and warm atmosphere for this music.
For me, this nocturne captures something very personal and reflective — the kind of music that invites you to slow down and simply listen.
More to Come
This is only the beginning of the blog, and I am looking forward to sharing more musical stories, pieces, and inspirations here.
If you enjoy piano music, Chopin, or simply discovering beautiful works for the instrument, I hope you will come back and read the next posts.
Thank you for visiting!
Warm regards,
ELLEN
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