Berceuse (Chopin)
Encyclopedia
Frédéric Chopin
's Berceuse
Op
. 57 (1843-44) is a lullaby
to be played on piano
. It consists of variations
in D-flat major. At first the composer titled the work Variations, but the title was altered for publication to the current Berceuse.
'Berceuse' literally means "cradle song"
Frédéric Chopin
Frédéric François Chopin was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist. He is considered one of the great masters of Romantic music and has been called "the poet of the piano"....
's Berceuse
Berceuse
A berceuse is "a musical composition usually in 6/8 time that resembles a lullaby". Otherwise it is typically in triple meter. Tonally most berceuses are simple, often merely alternating tonic and dominant harmonies; since the intended effect is to put a baby to sleep, wild chromaticism would be...
Op
Opus number
An Opus number , pl. opera and opuses, abbreviated, sing. Op. and pl. Opp. refers to a number generally assigned by composers to an individual composition or set of compositions on publication, to help identify their works...
. 57 (1843-44) is a lullaby
Lullaby
A lullaby is a soothing song, usually sung to young children before they go to sleep, with the intention of speeding that process. As a result they are often simple and repetitive. Lullabies can be found in every culture and since the ancient period....
to be played on piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
. It consists of variations
Variation (music)
In music, variation is a formal technique where material is repeated in an altered form. The changes may involve harmony, melody, counterpoint, rhythm, timbre, orchestration or any combination of these.-Variation form:...
in D-flat major. At first the composer titled the work Variations, but the title was altered for publication to the current Berceuse.
Structure
The music begins and ends in 6/8 time.'Berceuse' literally means "cradle song"