Classical Music / Solo Piano Music
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Fantaisie-Impromptu in C♯ minor, Op. posth. 66, WN 46 is a solo piano composition by Frédéric Chopin. It was composed in 1834 and published posthumously in 1855 despite Chopin's instruction that none of his unpublished manuscripts be published. This melodious lovely solo piano music is one of Chopin's most frequently performed and popular compositions.
As were the Four Mazurkas (Op. 17) and the Grande valse brillante in E♭ major (Op. 18) were also written in 1834, unlike these other works, Chopin never published the Fantaisie-Impromptu. Instead, Julian Fontana published it posthumously, along with other waltzes Opp. 69 and 70. The mystery may have been solved in 1960 when pianist Arthur Rubinstein acquired the "Album of the Baroness d'Este" which had been sold at auction in Paris. The album contained a manuscript of the Fantaisie-Impromptu in Chopin's own hand, dated 1835, stating on the title page in French "Composed for the Baroness d'Este by Frédéric Chopin". (Refer to video below)
The facts of its authenticity having been "guaranteed by the French authorities" and that it shows "a delicate care for detail" and "many improvements in harmony and style" in comparison to the previously published version, Rubinstein considered absolute proof that it is the finished work. In his preface to the "Rubinstein Edition", published by G. Schirmer, Inc. in 1962, Rubinstein surmises that the words "Composed for" in place of a dedication imply that Chopin received a paid commission for the work, so he had actually sold it to the Baroness.
Video 2: Judy Garland sings "Im Always Chasing Rainbows", from the film Ziefgeld Girl.I'm Always Chasing Rainbows
"I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" is a popular Vaudeville song. The music is credited to Harry Carroll, but the melody is adapted from Fantaisie-Impromptu by Frédéric Chopin. The lyrics were written by Joseph McCarthy, and the song was published in 1917. It was introduced in the Broadway show Oh, Look! which opened in March 1918. The song was sung in the show by the Dolly Sisters. Judy Garland sang it in the 1941 film Ziegfeld Girl. It was subsequently sung by Jack Oakie in the 1944 film The Merry Monahans and was again featured in the 1945 film The Dolly Sisters (1945 in film), where it was sung by John Payne.
Lovely haunting song. The phrase "chasing rainbows" is an idiom that means pursuing something that is impossible or unlikely to be achieved. It suggests going after a dream or goal that is elusive, much like trying to catch a rainbow, which is an optical illusion and can never be reached.
Video Credit:
Chopin – Fantaisie-Impromptu, Op. 66F. Chopin - Fantaisie-impromptu in C-Sharp Minor, Op. posth. 66 (A. Rubinstein Edition). Youtube, uploaded by Kassia. Accessed March 1, 2022. (Note: Please read Kassia's pinned post about significant information about this lovely solo piano music by Chopin.)
I'm Always Chasing Rainbows-Judy Garland. Youtube, uploaded by Allan Fisch. Accessed March 1, 2022. From the MGM film Ziegfeld Girl, with Lana Turner and Hedy Lamarr. Restored from the original music recordings. In memory of my friend , Steve Sanders, author of Rainbow's End.
Resources:
Fantaisie-Impromptu. en.wikipedia.org. Accessed March 1, 2010.
I'm Always Chasing Rainbow. en.wikipedia.org. Accessed March 1, 2010.
(c) March 1, 2010. Updated March 1, 2022. Tel. Inspired Pen web. All rights reserved.
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