Although some might find these kind of questions silly, I always find them fun. So, what is your favorite ballade? We all know the Chopin ballades, so it would be great if you could name some other lesser known ones too.
Medtner Sonata Ballade.
I like Emil Gilels version of this better. Argerich's interpretation is a little too stoic for me.And, Valentina Lisitsis plays this in 18 seconds flat...
oh wow you're totally right. and i love that it's req'd lit for opening semi final and again final rounds at the int'l Clayderman competition held every other year!
I will tell you something funny... and this is no joke...That piece, as shallow and inane as it his, is permanently part of my psyche and in a fond way. My son was born 3.5 months prematurely and was given a 50/50 chance of survival. He did make it, though has some developmental issues (Asperger's) as a result. When he was 3 or 4 we got a little electronic keyboard for him. That tune was one of the demo pieces. I hated it. But it takes me back to a time that was very tender.Jackson is now 21 and he can compose music. He does not do nearly enough of it and I started a website not long ago to try to encourage him to compose more. If you want to hear some of his short 'cinematic' compositions you can go here... www.jacksonroof.net.
The OP said not chopin. If it was chopin #1 blows every other piece of music out of the water for me.
I have read all of them, played 1 and 4. I would frankly rate them like this...#4, #1, #3, #2Interestingly, that is also how they rank in difficulty as well.
From the most to the "least" difficult, you mean. Though that coda in the f major is a female dog.
There's a beautiful ballade by Mel Bonis. It was written in 1897 and is a great example of French "fin-de siècle" romantic music. There are a few nods and winks to Chopin in it.I can't find any recording of it, but here's the score: https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b9076241q/f1.image.r=
I really enjoy the grieg ballade in g minor. Take a look:
Brahms Ballade in g minor
Topic: Favorite ballade? 