Favorite ballade?

[chomaninoff1]

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.

[ahinton]

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.

Whilst there are indeed plenty of others besides those wonderful Chopin works, why imply an assumption that members might necessarily have "favourites" among them and, even if they do, to what extent might you think this to matter?

I'll make mention of Medtner's Piano Sonata No. 8, though not as a "favourite" example but simply as a great work.

Best,

Alistair

[visitor]

[distantfieldrelative]

This ballade is just as good as Chopin's. At least as good as the first three. 

[medtnaculus]

The only other ballades I can think of now off the top of my head are Bowen and Alexandrov's. The latter is quite nice, though I can't recall the former making much of an impression on me.

I'm a pretty big fan of Jongen's two ballades too.

[piulento]

This masterpiece:

[andrewcorrea]

I really enjoy the grieg ballade in g minor. Take a look:

[pencilart3]

The Debussy ballade is great!

[daniele1234]

Liszt Ballade 1 and 2 are both great piceces of music... especially the second one.

[ajlongspiano]

Medtner Sonata Ballade.

[chomaninoff1]

Alistair,

While this question may be oddly worded, I tend to enjoy ballades, so thought I could discover new ones by asking other people their favorites. 
 

 

[mjames]

Medtner Sonata Ballade.

Yes!

The fugue and final passages in the second movement is so orgasmic.  

[chomaninoff1]

Thank you for replying, everyone!

I've always loved the Liszt and Brahms ballades, but I'll have to look up the others.

[thalbergmad]

The Vianna da Motta is a superb work.

Thal

[jimroof]

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...

[visitor]

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!

[jimroof]

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.

[visitor]

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.

wow what a story. i agree that it's a lovely tune, and my post of it should not be in any way be construed to demean it or your response to it. was more of a tongue in cheek poking fun at the op and point of the thread with a light hearted reply that did and yet did not answer op's question .

will check out that site, thanks for sharing your story and his music 

[briansaddleback]

Chopin's fourth ballade. yeah hands down for me. cant beat it.

[pencilart3]

The OP said not chopin. If it was chopin #1 blows every other piece of music out of the water for me.

[jimroof]

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, #2

Interestingly, that is also how they rank in difficulty as well.

[birba]

From the most to the "least" difficult, you mean.  Though that coda in the f major is a female dog.

[pencilart3]

I have read all of them, played 1 and 4.  I would frankly rate them like this...

#4, #1, #3, #2

Interestingly, that is also how they rank in difficulty as well.

As far as difficulty, I agree In terms of rating 1 4 2 3

[michael_c]

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=

[jimroof]

From the most to the "least" difficult, you mean.  Though that coda in the f major is a female dog.

Absolutely they are in descending order.  I performed the F minor once.  Though it was at a fund raiser and I played with the score.  I should have really pushed through to absolutely complete it when I had it very close to being under my belt.  Never got it totally committed to memory. 

On that note... I wonder how many recording artists have the scores in front of them...

[birba]

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 guess they won't let you send it.  It says défundu something.

[rubinsteinmad]

I really enjoy the grieg ballade in g minor. Take a look:

YES

[chopinawesome]

Brahms Ballade in g minor

[bzzzzzt]

Brahms Ballade in g minor

The one from Op.118? I like that one too - have been playing it for the last few weeks

[chomaninoff1]

Brahms Ballade in g minor

ooh thanks chopin awesome! totally forgot that was even a "ballade"
thank ya

[chopinawesome]

Yes, Op.118/3 or something.
Please see:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwskWWpUcBA

[chopinawesome]

Oh, also Brahms Ballade Op.10 /1 and 10/3

[alkan2010]

Besides Chopin, Grieg and Barber.