Have a theological question?

Visit Got Questions →
HomeMusicFrederic Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 1 in C minor, Op. posth. 4; No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35, & No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58.

Music

Frederic Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 1 in C minor, Op. posth. 4; No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35, & No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58.

21 July 2026


Background:

  • Chopin composed 3 piano sonatas. Two were published in his lifetime; covering a period between 1828 to 1844.
  • They are among Chopin’s most difficult piano compositions, both musically and technically.
  • His first Sonata was dedicated to Jozef Elsner. His third Sonata was dedicated to Countess Emilie de Perthuis.
  • The second Sonata is well-known for its Marche funebre, in the third movement. No mention of any dedication.

Recordings:

  • Voyage.
    Yulianna Avdeeva.
    Pentatone.
    Diapason d’Or de I’Annee (2025): Piano.
    International Classical Music Magazine (2025): Nominated Solo Instrument.
  • Live at the Mariinsky. Haydn, Chopin, Rachmaninov, Liszt.
    George Li.
    Warner Classics.
    Opus Klassik Awards (2018): Winner Solo Recording Piano (19th Century).
    Presto Recordings of the Year (2017): Finalist.
  • Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4, Chopin Sonata No. 2, Ballade No. 4.
    Eric Lu.
    Warner Classics.
  • ·Murray Perahia plays Chopin: Concertos, Sonatas, Ballads, Mazurkas, Etudes, Preludes, Impromptus and More.
    Murray Perahia.
    SONY.
    Gramophone Awards (1995): Winner Instrumental.
    Grammy Awards (2002): Best Classical Instrumental Solo Recording.
    Gramophone Awards (2003): Winner Instrumental.
    Gramophone Magazine (2014): Re-Issue of the Month.
  • Chopin Complete Edition.
    Maurizio Pollini, Lilya Zilberstein
    Deutsche Grammophon.

    Presto Recording of the Week (2010).
    Radio 3 Building a Library (2010): First Choice.
  • Murray Perahia Plays Chopin. Concertos, Sonatas, Ballads, Mazurkas, Etudes, Preludes, Impromptus and More.
    Murray Perahia.
    SONY.
    Gramophone Awards (1995): Winner Instrumental.
    Grammy Awards (2002): Best Classical Instrumental Solo Recording.
    Gramophone Awards (2003): Winner Instrumental.
    Gramophone Magazine (2014): Re-Issue of the Month.

About Coram Deo

Coram Deo — before the face of God. This blog reflects on Scripture, world events, science, music, psychology, and the human mind — always through the lens of Christian faith. All of life is lived before the face of God.

Back to Music