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Topic: Chopin Ballade 2 (Read 2297 times)

imnotapianist

PS Silver Member
Newbie
Posts: 18

I'm having trouble understanding the underlying theme behind the second Ballade by Chopin. For me, it was really helpful watching "The Pianist" and "Your Lie in April" to understand the sadness that dominates the first ballade, but for me, it was tough to really have a grasp of the second ballade emotionally. In particular, you start off with a gentle and peaceful folk tune, and then suddenly, you have almost a stormy brewing that came from nowhere. And at the end, it felt that first theme turned minor really confused me as well, like it was the peaceful man turned into a straight out murderer. I just don't get why so many people regard this piece as beautiful.

Can someone explain their thoughts on this Second Ballade? If so, what's your response?

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kc_gracie

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Jr. Member
Posts: 63

Re: Chopin Ballade 2

Reply #1 on: December 22, 2020, 06:45:06 PM

Of the 4 Ballades, this one is the most different to me. I really enjoy listening to it and playing it. However, it is quite different. I personally really enjoy the stark contrasts from section to section. This was actually one of the first pieces I heard that Chopin composed and it certainly left an impression and literally almost made me jump out of my seat the first time the A minor section came in. It was kind of exhilarating.

I am not super well versed in what the deeper meaning of the piece may be, I have heard at some point a mention of a trip he took that turned sour.

For me, when I play this piece, I think about the tranquility of life and how it can be super nice and serene at one moment. Almost routine like and simple. Then something tragic can occur that rips you straight away from that routine. It could be loss, work, or anything that you personally feel would affect you or has in the past. But, fortunately, we can return to that previous routine and find peace again. However, this time, there are notes of the affects of that tragedy that remain. And sometime thoughts come up that let that piece of our tragic past come back in. Then, over time, we may reenter that state, this time seemingly more of our own doing, until it grows (coda) into something more, whether outrage or depression, etc. Then, we finally, after all is said and done, return to that peaceful state (ending). But, we are changed by our experience and it now comprises a peace of who we are.

Another feeling I have about it could be more like temptation. The A minor sections could be succumbing to desire. At the end it is greater than anywhere else. Then, in the end, we come out of that desire, but to an altered state. I see parallels with this thinking and the work by Liszt, Vallee d'Obermann. I may be crazy, but that is what I feel when I play this piece. I would love to hear your interpretation or others as this piece has always left me wondering what others perceive.

Just my thoughts. Still, I love this piece and it is such a joy to play.

-KC

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anacrusis

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 814

Re: Chopin Ballade 2

Reply #2 on: January 18, 2021, 04:59:27 PM

I love this piece. It's like a peaceful idyll with only slight tinges of melancholy that is suddenly torn to shreds by a terrible storm. When the first theme comes back verbatim after the first storm your understanding of it has already changed because of the emotional upheaval that came before it, and this time it is much more restless, only for the storm to break out again, and the whole thing ends in tragedy.

I think the piece is beautiful but also very tragic. It's a very gripping story, but without a happy ending.

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