The Music of Frederic Chopin: The Poet of the Piano
Orin Grossman is renowned internationally for his knowledge of music. He lectures and performs concerts throughout the US and Europe, taught Performing Arts for many years at Fairfield University, and has served as the University’s Academic Vice President. Professor Grossman has been particularly associated with the music of George Gershwin, performing concerts of his song transcriptions and classical pieces to critical praise around the world, including performances in Cairo and New York. Professor Grossman was also chosen to play for the New York City Mayor’s Awards of Honor for Arts and Culture.
Overview
The modern piano became a major solo concert instrument in the 1830’s because of advances in piano construction and the extraordinary invention of the modern piano technique by two friends and occasional rivals: Franz Liszt and Frederic Chopin. Liszt was the extrovert, who enjoyed publicity and became the most famous touring virtuoso pianist of his day. Chopin, the introvert, concentrated on his compositions and performed them often in private recitals. This presentation will concentrate on Chopin’s musical gifts, and the nature of the pianistic revolution they created. Professor Grossman’s presentation will conclude with a performance of Chopin’s Ballade #1 in G Minor, which is among his greatest compositions.