Sorry, no results.
Please try another keyword
Fantaisie-impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. 66
![First page of the score: Fantaisie-impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 · Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849) — First posthumous edition · Paris: J. Meissonnier fils, [1855]](https://i0.wp.com/leanoregillet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/score-chopin-op66-meissonnier-1855.webp?fit=1500%2C1961&ssl=1)
History
Composed in 1834 but published posthumously in 1855, the Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, Op. 66, occupies a special place in Chopin’s piano output. Although Chopin himself chose not to publish the work during his lifetime, it has since become one of his most celebrated and frequently performed compositions. The piece reflects Chopin’s fascination with contrasting states of agitation and lyricism. Its restless outer sections, driven by virtuosic motion, are balanced by a central lyrical episode of remarkable cantabile beauty. The work exemplifies Chopin’s poetic approach to the piano, combining technical brilliance with emotional depth and expressive nuance, and stands as a quintessential example of Romantic piano writing.
Structure
The Fantaisie-Impromptu follows a ternary (ABA) form. The opening section features a rapid, turbulent texture built on continuous motion, characterized by the famous rhythmic contrast between groups of four in the right hand and three in the left hand. The central section shifts to D-flat major and presents a broad, singing melody, often compared to a nocturne for its lyrical warmth and expressive phrasing. The return of the opening material restores the initial agitation, leading to a brief coda that recalls elements of the opening while bringing the piece to a dramatic close. The work demands rhythmic independence, control, and a refined sense of musical contrast.
Original title
Fantaisie-impromptu en ut dièse mineur, Op. 66
In the Repertoire since
2025