Chopin, Frédéric: Fantasia, Berceuse, Barcarolle

Berceuse in D flat major is an extremely subtle and refined work, which is expressed through circular arabesque melody, transformation of the ornamental resources in terms of colour and consistency of variation technique used in the ostinato variation. Barcarolle in F sharp major belongs to the tradition of Italian gondoliers, with its inherent 12/8 time signature and the mannerism of ornamental melody in thirds. The reprise structure combines the techniques of variation, ostinato; great dynamism with being static. This has provoked many programmatic interpretations, as well as sound imitations and continuations. The Fantasy in F minor was composed during Chopin's creative peak, and grew out of the practice of improvisation on themes of insurgent and Polish national songs. The narrative character is striking, related to the ballad and rhapsodic manners.