Research Of Chopin's Four Scherzos

Chopin (Fryderyk Chopin,1810-1849),a great Polish pianist and composer. He composed four independent Scherzos, which have grand structure and epic momentum. The four works have high artistry and ideological level. Their structures are complex, and most have mixed musical form. The tonalities and harmonies are unique and novel. The works involve ebullient tunes showing an abundance of romance. The connotation of works is complex and profound. And the emotion is varied, which greatly reflects the author's uneasiness and grief. The four Scherzos have special artistic personality, and they have considerable technical content and deep emotional expression. Therefore, they are considered masterpieces of piano music.The article takes Chopin's four Scherzos as the object to study,carrying on the elaboration in four chapters.The first chapter briefly introduced Chopin's life and creation.Besides, it made a briefing to the development of Scherzos and Chopin's exploration to the form of Scherzo as well. The second chapter made a thorough analysis on Scherzo's music from the aspects of musical form, melody, harmony and texture. The No.1 Scherzo is compound ternary form, b minor, 3/4 time. The work's beginning and end are stormy, and the middle part is peaceful and sweet. The No.2 Scherzo uses a free form of Sonata, b flat minor, 3/4 time. The work contains a wide range of feelings with a certain touch of fantacy and drama. The No.3 Scherzo applies a combination of principles including sonata and variation, c sharp minor, 3/4 time. The work displays a heroic spirit, and is not in lack of pastoral tune. The No.4 Scherzo adopts a mixed form, E major, 3/4 time. The work has a refined overall structure reflecting flexibility, graceful smooth tune, and a hint of melancholy in the middle section.The third chapter analyzed the musical features of Chopin's Scherzos. It elaborated the musical features of four Scherzos from three aspects such as grand dramatic structure, melodious rhythm and unique and novel harmony.The fourth chapter discussed the performance of Chopin's Scherzos. The chapter had a discussion on the playing of Chopin's Scherzos from four aspects such as performing of different melody styles, the control of dynamics, the use of pedal and tempo rubato.