Form/Structure/Purpose of Chopin's Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23 ?

[makivka]

Hello everyone! 

I am in a beginner music class, and I am trying write about the Chopin's ballades.

  Regarding the first ballade, I noticed that there are four themes, with some of them returning: ABABCBAD. Is this correct? If so, how would I answer the question regarding what form this piece fits? It's not the rondo form exactly, but it is similar.

  Also, how do I answer the structure of music question? Is form and structure of music the same thing?

  Finally, what is the purpose of this piece? All I was able to find was to whom this piece was dedicated.

I thank you so much for your help!!

[mjames]

I am fully convinced that the work's entire purpose was to make pianists look and sound cool in front of others.

Real answer:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_music

[quantum]

If you are looking to read an in depth analysis, you could start here:
https://www.amazon.com/Chopin-Ballades-Cambridge-Music-Handbooks/dp/0521386152

As you say you are a beginner in music class, a word of advice: do not equate an analysis to a book of laws.  Think of analysis as intellectual interpretation.  There is more than one way to think about a piece of music, just as there is more than one way to perform or record a piece of music. 

Regarding the first ballade, I noticed that there are four themes, with some of them returning: ABABCBAD. Is this correct? If so, how would I answer the question regarding what form this piece fits? It's not the rondo form exactly, but it is similar.

Whatever you write, you need to argue your point convincingly, and back that up with sufficient examples and or analysis.  Don't use the above book to copy answers out of, rather as a starting point to where you want to take your paper.