Chopin's First Concerto · nine places
Hear the difference
We listen to the concerto side by side with Chopin: the same tune twice, one next to the other. There are no right or wrong answers here - only ears and a few old arguments in which we invite you to take a side.
IDusk20 ′
IISpring by moonlight10 ′
IIIMorning10 ′
Compare · I. Allegro maestoso
One tune, two voices
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The orchestra opens the concerto, and the piano stays silent for almost four minutes. Then it takes up the same tune. Listen to both beginnings.
Here is what we know
The tune is the same - stern and resolute. The orchestra plays it together, evenly, like one large figure. The piano takes it alone: in loud chords, and a moment later it breaks away in a run right up to the highest keys. That is what the four minutes of waiting were for: so that we would know the tune and hear how differently it sounds in one pair of hands.
