Compare/contrast the musical elements in these two vedeos -Music essay
To do that, we will listen to the music of two different composers – Frederic Chopin and Franz Liszt. The two were close friends, but very different in temperament, and this is certainly clear in their music. Both were pianist-composers who were known and popular for performing their own music, but the way in which they approached emotion, technique, performance, and mood are very different.
To begin, listen to the two examples below, and read the short biographies of each composer.
Frederic Chopin, Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2
Chopin (1810-1849) was a pianist and composer from Poland, who took up residence in Paris, having fled his homeland to escape military conflicts under the imperialistic rule of Russia. His refugee status helped to make him an iconic figure, and his music often drew from Polish dance styles, a sound which was new and fresh to French audiences. Although he never married, he had a long term and very tumultuous relationship with the novelist Georg Sand, a feminist who challenged gender stereotypes by wearing men’s clothing in public. Born Aurore Dudevant, she took a masculine pen name in order to overcome the social boundaries that would have prevented her from becoming a successful writer. The relationship between Georg and Chopin was somewhat reversed, in that it challenged gender stereotypes, which were very conservative at this time in history. The strong personality was Georg, who is said to have pursued and initiated their relationship, while the “weak,” tender-heart was Chopin. Known to be sickly and feeble throughout his life, Chopin’s health declined progressively, until Georg began to regard him as more of a burden than a mate. The two separated, and Chopin died three years later, at the age of 39.
Franz Liszt, Transcendental Etude No. 10
Franz Liszt was a pianist and composer from Hungary who became wildly popular across Europe during the 1840’s, when he toured as a performer of his own works. Listzt was known as a handsome showman, and likely appeared in public over 1000 times during the main part of his touring acitvities. This is a staggering number of concerts, given the rigors of travel and the limitations of communiucation and extensive advanced planning. Liszt was so popular, in fact, that his friend, poet Heinrich Heine, coined the term “Lisztomania,” to describe the hysterical women who attended his concerts.
Liszt met Chopin in Paris, and the two not only expressed mutual-respect for each other’s work, but eventually became close friends, though Chopin is known to have been critical of Liszt’s showy style. At the young age of 22, Liszt began a torrid affair with a married woman, the Countess Marie d’Agoult, who was six years his senior. She eventually left her husband, and the two were married, also having several children together during their tumultuous 10-year relationship. Liszt retired from touring at the age of 35, when he was still firmly in the prime of his technical and artistic skills, and as such, raised his notoriety to legendary status.
After listening to these two examples, and reviewing the biographical information above, answer a minimum of 3 of the following questions.
1. Compare/contrast the mood of these two examples.
2. Compare/contrast the musical elements in these two examples.
3. What aspects of Chopin’s personality do you feel are reflected in his music (use musical elements)?
4. What aspects of Liszt’s personality do you feel are reflected in his music (use musical elements)?
5. Even though they are very different, both of these examples are Romantic. How can they both be in that broader style, but also both be entirely different?
6. Do you enjoy individuality in music? Why, or why not?
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