He was one of the greatest composers of the Romantic, or indeed of any era.
Make no mistake, Frédéric Chopin had a huge influence on classical music - and on piano repertoire in particular. Born in Poland in 1810, Chopin’s early talent blossomed in Warsaw before he ultimately settled in Paris, where he would compose some of the most intimate, expressive works ever written for the piano.
Often inspired by the folk dances and melodies of his homeland, Chopin's piano music is filled with an emotional depth and technical brilliance that captivated audiences in his lifetime and continues to resonate with listeners today.
Ranging from poetic nocturnes and fiery polonaises to innovative études and delicate mazurkas, Chopin’s compositions are distinguished by their delicate textures, harmonic sophistication, and technical demands.
Here are 15 great works that illuminate the genius of Chopin, and remind us why he remains so essential to the piano repertoire and so beloved a figure in classical music history. Read on for our best of Chopin in seven stunning pieces.
Best of Chopin: 15 essential works
1. Fantaisie-Impromptu, Op. 66
One of Chopin’s most recognized works, this impromptu combines rapid, cascading passages with a lyrical, song-like middle section.
The dramatic outer sections contrast sharply with the tender, nocturne-like melody at the heart of the piece. Published posthumously, the Fantaisie-Impromptu has since become one of the most frequently performed Chopin compositions.
2. Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31
Dramatic and fiery, this scherzo opens with mysterious descending chords before bursting into a whirlwind of energy.
The lyrical central section, with its soaring melody, offers a striking contrast. Its combination of virtuosic brilliance and poetic expressiveness has made it a favorite among pianists and audiences alike.
3. Polonaise in A flat major, 'Heroic'
Poland’s national dance is a stately affair, but in Chopin’s hands, it become a passionate statement about his home country.
Start with the A-major Polonaise, Op. 40 no. 1, also known as the 'Military'. Once you've got a handle on that one, why not move on to the 'Heroic', a powerful and patriotic piece that has become a symbol of Polish pride. Its bold, majestic themes and triumphant rhythms make it one of Chopin’s most celebrated compositions, embodying both strength and grace.
Recommended recording: Maurizio Pollini, Martha Argerich, Anatol Ugorski (piano) DG 477 5430
4. Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, 'Funeral March'
It's best known for the iconic slow movement that has since given the work its nickname.
And yes, the Second Piano Sonata sees Chopin exploring life and death. That sombre melody from the third movement has come to characterise the work in many listeners' ears. However, the two outer movements feature music that is by turns effervescent and mysterious.
5. Nocturne in E flat major, op. 9 no. 2
Perhaps the best loved of Chopin’s nocturnes.
The E flat major is characterized by its gentle, flowing melody and tranquil beauty. Its combination of delicate, ornamental lines and probing emotional depth make the E flat Nocturne a quintessential Romantic piano work.
6. Etude, op. 10 No. 12 'Revolutionary'
Chopin’s two books of Etudes, or studies, stretch a player’s advanced technique. But the music contains depth and feeling.
Where to start with the Etudes? Well, you might want to begin with the passionate, powerful Op. 10, No. 12, also known as the 'Revolutionary'.
Written in 1831 upon hearing that the Russian army had crushed Poland's November Uprising and captured Warsaw, this etude is a work of pure kinetic fury and patriotic desperation. It represents a fundamental shift in piano literature, moving away from the 'pretty' parlor style toward a visceral, percussive language of protest.
While the right hand thunders a defiant, dotted-rhythm theme that sounds like a call to arms, the left hand is tasked with a relentless barrage of stormy, downward-cascading scales and arpeggios. These dizzying 'Revolutionary' runs are designed to push a pianist's stamina and agility to the breaking point, mimicking the chaotic energy of a city under siege and the volcanic frustration of a composer trapped in exile.
Recommended recording: Murray Perahia (piano) Sony SK61885
7. Waltz Op. 64 No. 1 in D flat major, 'Minute Waltz'
Singularly unimpressed with the Viennese ballroom scene, Chopin set about composing his own waltzes.
Published in 1819, these little masterpieces give an atmosphere of joyous abandon, but a certain wistfulness too. If you want a way into the Waltzes, start with the so-called 'Minute Waltz' - playful, charming, with a swirling melody that, while challenging for the performer, is an experience of pure musical sunlight for the listener.
Recommended recording: Artur Rubinstein, one of the greatest pianists of all time and an absolute master with Chopin.
8. Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor
The second movement of this Romantic concerto is just ravishing.
While titled No. 1, this was actually the second concerto Chopin composed, written just before he left Poland forever at the age of 20. It is a pinnacle of the stile brillant, designed to showcase the soloist's poetic touch rather than orchestral power. The piano dominates throughout, weaving shimmering, filigreed melodies over a relatively transparent accompaniment.
The heart of the work is the 'Romance' second movement – a moonlit, nocturnal dream inspired by his secret crush on a young singer – while the finale is a spirited Krakowiak, a lively Polish folk dance that provides a virtuosic, high-energy conclusion to his youthful period.
Recommended recording: Krystian Zimerman (piano), Polish Festival Orchestra DG 459 6842
9. Ballade No. 1 in G minor
Chopin puts his heart and soul into these astonishingly powerful works.
Don’t be fooled by the title ‘Ballade’ – all four of them contain music of extreme drama and energy, as well as tenderness and lyricism.
Why not start at the beginning with the first Ballade, which is a perfect summation of Chopin's genius in this form. Surely among his greatest compositions of all, the Ballade No. 1 combines a dramatic narrative structure with intense emotional gear changes and soaring, lyrical melodies. It will grip you right from that mysterious, expectant opening.
Recommended recording: Evgeny Kissin (piano) RCA 09026632592
10. Prelude in D-flat Major, Op. 28 No. 15 'Raindrop'
Evocative and atmospheric, with gentle repetition that swells into powerful emotion
Written during Chopin's miserable time on Mallorca with George Sand, this hauntingly beautiful piece is built around a repeated note that evokes falling rain. It moves from a gentle, meditative opening into a darker, stormier middle section before returning to calm. The shifting mood and seamless structure make it a standout in Chopin’s preludes—both accessible and emotionally profound, perfect for newcomers and seasoned listeners alike.
11. Etude in E Major, Op. 10 No. 3 'Tristesse'
Tender and heartfelt, one of the most expressive and melodic of his études
Most études are all about the technical challenges. Not so the 'Tristesse', one of Chopin's most lyrical and emotionally resonant works, all melodic beauty and expressive depth. The wistful main theme flows with nostalgic grace, capturing a sense of longing and introspection.
Though composed as a study in right-hand legato, it transcends its pedagogical roots to become a favorite concert piece. Its gentle middle section adds contrast before the poignant melody returns, leaving a lasting impression. It’s a perfect gateway into Chopin’s poetic soul and Romantic expressiveness.
12. Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op. 60
Chopin’s late-period masterpiece captures the undulating rhythm of a Venetian gondola.
It is a harmonic marvel, blending bel canto lyricism with sophisticated, shimmering textures. The music swells with an intoxicating, Mediterranean warmth, representing the peak of his poetic and structural genius.
Recommended recording: Maurizio Pollini (DG)
13. Mazurka in B-flat Major, Op. 7, No. 1
This vibrant dance is the definitive introduction to Chopin’s Polish soul.
It utilizes rubato – a rhythmic flexibility where the performer 'steals' time – to mimic the stomping and swirling of a village folk dance, blending rustic energy with aristocratic elegance.
Recommended recording: Artur Rubinstein (RCA, 1963)
14. Etude, op. 25 No. 11 'Revolutionary'
Often regarded as his most physically demanding study, the 'Winter Wind' begins with a deceptively hushed, four-bar introduction.
It quickly erupts into a technical maelstrom where the right hand executes a relentless "blizzard" of chromatic scales and wide, leaping arpeggios. This chromatic turbulence over a steady, march-like left-hand bass creates a terrifying atmosphere of a gale-force storm, testing a pianist’s stamina and crystalline finger independence to their absolute limits.
Recommended Recording: Maurizio Pollini (DG). Pollini’s legendary recording provides the crystalline clarity and iron-clad technique necessary to ensure the right-hand runs don't blur into noise, maintaining the piece's structural integrity amidst the chaos.
15. Nocturne in C-sharp Minor, Op. posth.
This haunting, posthumously published masterpiece is one of Chopin’s most introspective works, gaining modern fame through its poignant use in the film The Pianist. It balances a somber, steady walking bassline with a right-hand melody that unfolds like a whispered, tragic secret.
The C-sharp minor Nocturne is celebrated for its delicate 'Lento' tempo marking – and for the ethereal, scale-like runs that decorate the main theme, eventually resolving into a fragile major chord that feels like a flicker of light in the darkness.
Recommended Recording: Maria João Pires (DG). Pires is a master of the Nocturnes; her touch is exquisitely sensitive, capturing the 'inner voice' of the piece without ever lapsing into over-the-top sentimentality.
Pics: Getty Images
