I. Maestoso II. Larghetto III. Allegro vivace
Although Chopin's F minor concerto has the higher opus number, it was in fact the first of his two concertos. It was completed in 1829. Structurally, it is in traditional three movement form, with a sonata form first movement, a slow movement with a dream like beginning, interrupted by a dramatic central section, and rounded off by a dance-like finale. The orchestral textures hold little interest – Chopin was never a master of large orchestras. But the originality of the concerto lies in the solo part. The extraordinary piano writing evokes a stunning palette of colours while creating the impression of improvisation. The dance-like themes of the finale have a unique Polish flavour, paving the way for the fashion in Western Europe for Polish forms such as the Polonaise and Mazurka.