United States or Argentina ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Opus 71, three posthumous Polonaises, given to the world by Julius Fontana, are in D minor, published in 1827, B flat major, 1828, and F minor, 1829. They are interesting to Chopinists. The influence of Weber, a past master in this form, is felt.
Lastly, I keep myself warm, and look like a girl. Chopin to Fontana; Marseilles, March 6, 1839: My health is still improving; I begin to play, eat, walk, and speak, like other men; and when you receive these few words from me you will see that I again write with ease. But once more of business. The Polonaises, as they are, to you and to Kessler.
As the Florence Miscellany has never been published, I will copy out what is said of it there, because the Abate Fontana was consulted when that description was given.
In the excitement of that wonderful hour Farnese in full flight, himself borne on men's shoulders round the Piazza, thanksgiving in the cathedral, clouds of incense, clashing bells, wine running in the Fontana delle Grazie he had for a moment been tempted to believe the times ripe for a proclamation: "Amilcar, Dei Gratia, Nonarum Dux," etc.
That his friendship with Fontana was of a less intimate character becomes at once apparent on comparing Chopin's letters to him with those he wrote to the three other Polish friends. Of all his connections with non-Poles there seems to be only one which really deserves the name of friendship, and that is his connection with Franchomme. Even here, however, he gave much less than he received.
During six weeks afterward the two armies continued to occupy their former positions under the walls of Vienna on the right and left banks of the Danube, narrowly watching each other's movements and preparing for a final struggle. The Archduke John had successfully penetrated into Italy, where he had defeated the viceroy, Eugene, at Salice and Fontana fredda.
"Fontana was now convinced that the ropes were better than iron bands, these being most broken or distorted, or expanded by the weight. On the 7th of May the pyramid was placed on the sledge a more difficult and tedious operation than that of raising it, it being necessary to convey it over the piazza to the situation intended for it, which was 115 rods from where it then stood.
Further on in the letter, after inviting Madame Marliani and her husband to come to Nohant in May, she proceeds thus: It can hardly be said that he enjoys himself in Marseilles; but he resigns himself to recover patiently. The following letter of Chopin to Fontana, which Karasowski thinks was written at Valdemosa in the middle of February, ought to be dated Marseilles, April, 1839:
"I have heard of thy good heart, my maiden: now what would please thee most?" said the queen. Blanche bowed her head, and dared not speak. Queen Fontana smiled: when she smiled it was as if a soft cloud had slid away from the moon, revealing a beautiful light. "Say pearls and diamonds," said Victor in her ear. "I don't know," whispered Blanche: "they are not the best things."
According to Fontana, Chopin composed this piece about 1834. Why did he keep it in his portfolio? I suspect he missed in it, more especially in the middle section, that degree of distinction and perfection of detail which alone satisfied his fastidious taste. Among Chopin's nocturnes some of his most popular works are to be found.
Word Of The Day