I'll be performing Frederic Chopin's Scherzo No. 3 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 39, as one example of the type of music that will be featured in my Senior Recital on April 27. Polish-born Chopin was one of the greatest pianistic innovators of all time, evidenced by this brilliant composition, with fast running octaves and beautiful cascades arpeggios. Chopin wrote this scherzo while living in Majorca with novelist George Sand around 1839. I have done research for several classes on Chopin, particularly his famous polonaises, which were written around the same time. Chopin's designation of Op. 39 as a "scherzo" (or "joke") is hard to believe, as it is incredibly virtuosic and beautiful. My wonderful piano teacher, Dr. Lisa Campi, introduced me to the piece because it has long been a favorite of hers. I instantly fell in love with it as well. Dr. Campi's teacher from the Eastman School of Music, Rebecca Penneys, once studied with legendary pianist Arthur Rubinstein, who was known as a great interpreter of Chopin. In fact, when referring to this scherzo, Rubinstein said it "takes more strength out of me than any other work I know."
