ABSTRACT
On surveying the entire works of Frederic Chopin, readers find their grand characteristic to be—a profoundly poetic feeling, which involves a large degree of the transcendental and mystic—is essentially and invariably of passionate tendency, of melancholy impression, and metaphysical colouring. Another interesting feature among the miscellaneous works of Chopin, is comprised in the Nocturnes, a species of composition which he has carried out to a greater degree of perfection than any other author. In his Polonaises too, of which he has written seven, of various lengths and forms, Chopin has marched many strides beyond the vulgar track of the generality of such things. The Waltzes of Chopin are distinct from those of any other composer, by reason of their more fluent melody—their greater length—their superior elaboration—their ampler resources of harmony—and other characteristics of an elegant and cultivated mind.
