Frédéric Chopin: Prelude No. 6, Op. 28 in B Minor "Tolling Bells"

It has been a while since I learned another piece for the piano. To remedy this issue, I have been memorizing and practicing this new Preludium for unaccompanied piano from the 24 Preludes book. Today I added the finishing touches of tonal color, Rubato, and voicing to this classic, under-played work of Chopin's. I sincerely hope you enjoy it.

I have noticed that this work is often performed at too rapid a tempo. The marking written by Frederic clearly says Lento Assai, or "much more lento." Normally, the marking of "lento" commonly falls somewhere between Largo and Andante. Logically, the succeeding word "assai" (which means more, greater, very) indicates a slower tempo than standard Lento. I have found this fact to be greatly ignored by other YouTube pianists, who blaze through the melancholy work with a fire that ruins the effect Chopin tenderly gave to the piece: that of the echo of tolling funeral bells. This most imperitive aspect MUST NOT be overlooked, nor must the "sotto voce" right hand marking. Therefore, what you are hearing is the way Chopin intended the piece to be played and heard. I hope you enjoy this rendition.

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[TzviErez]

Bravo.

[JohnEBPiano]

I liked your playing in this video very much. You have an excellent sense of musicianship and seem to be very intelligent in interpretive thought. Upload more Chopin, please! 

[xCristianAndres]

Simply Wonderful.

[jaygross803]

Chopin wrote something that wasn't umptyxillion notes a second? I love his fire and frivolity, but his harmonies were always fine, so it's nice to hear something melodic. Beautiful, and beautifully played. -J;

[uutbchh]

I like the way you play this