Chopin Fantasie Impromptu 1st Draft (1834) Rubinstein 1951

Published: 15 May 2008
on channel: Beckmesser2

21,936

103

The so called Fantasie Impromptu that everyone plays,was actually the first draft (1834) that Chopin composed. It is also Chopin's first Impromptu. The other three were composed later. The word Fantasie was added by Julius Fontana who was given the authorization to publish Chopin's posthumous works. Why didn't Chopin have this impromptu published during his lifetime? There are two theories. One is that the A section resembles Moscheles' Impromptu in E flat and that Chopin was aware of this. The other (which Arthur Rubinstein subscribes to) is that Chopin sold the final approved version (1835) to the Baroness d'Este and therefore could not publish it. As Rubinstein points out, the work is not dedicated to the Baroness. The phrase reads,Composed for the Baroness. In other words,a commission.
Whatever the reason for Chopin's decision not to publish the composition, there is no doubt that it was the final version (1835) that he intended to be performed.
While Rubinstein's performance of the piu lento B section is quite beautifully played in this 1951 recording of Chopin's first draft, the surrounding A section is rather slap dash and does not equal his exquisite 1964 recording of the final version which I have placed on YouTube.

Watch video Chopin Fantasie Impromptu 1st Draft (1834) Rubinstein 1951 online, duration hours minute second in high quality that is uploaded to the channel Beckmesser2 15 May 2008. Share the link to the video on social media so that your subscribers and friends will also watch this video. This video clip has been viewed 21,936 times and liked it 103 visitors.

4,544