Ballade No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 52
Frederic Chopin
Work background
Researched classical background
Chopin's final ballade gives a recurring lyrical idea increasingly elaborate treatment. New textures, inner voices, and contrapuntal combinations transform the theme as the music develops, before a compressed and demanding coda. The title suggests a narrative manner, but identifying a specific plot would go beyond the evidence. It is a single piano work rather than a sung ballad.
A listening guide
Compare each return of the principal theme and hear how much new activity has gathered around it.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Solo piano
Composition: 1842
The Chopin Institute identifies work on the ballade during the early summer of 1842.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Date, title and version notes
No specific literary plot is established here.
Fryderyk Chopin
Indexed institute excerpt: work on the F-minor ballade in summer 1842. Full page required JavaScript. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Fryderyk Chopin
Indexed institute excerpt: work on the F-minor ballade in summer 1842. Full page required JavaScript. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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