Adams Morgan in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Impromptus
Fryderyk Chopin
| | Creation | |
'The airy mood of a moment assumes a shape and form – although it becomes a trifle, it conceals the most delicate feelings in such cheerful, playful attire'
— Ferdinand Hiller on the Impromptu in A flat major, Op. 29
Paradoxically, the greatest renown was gained by the Impromptu in C sharp minor, Op. 66, published after Chopin's death by Julian Fontana under the title Fantasy-Impromptu — a composition which the composer wished to be destroyed after his death, together with other unpublished works.
Chopin's impromptus are quite elaborate works: slightly longer than the nocturnes, shorter than the ballades and scherzos. Compared to the rest of his oeuvre, they stand out as particularly cheerful, motoric works of moderate dramatic effect. They enchant listeners with their airy and poetical aura.
The impromptus are sometimes burdened with their stereotypical opinion of being 'music for the ladies'. As short and uncomplicated works, they were often intended for amateur pianists from good homes. They do not form a large chapter in Chopin's oeuvre — of the four extant compositions, three of them were intended by the composer for publication.
Erected by Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, DC; The Fryderyk Chopin Institute
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 55.481′ N, 77° 2.198′ W. Marker was in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It was in Adams Morgan. It was on 16th Street Northwest just south of Fuller Street Northwest, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 2640 16th St NW, Washington DC 20009, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It was also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. within walking distance of this location: Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Other markers no longer nearby. Preludes (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Historic Expedition (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Nocturns (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Waltzes (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Songs (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Return to the Colca Canyon
More about this marker.
[Captions:]
Teofil Kwiatkowski
Fryderyk Chopin at the piano, c. 1847
watercolour and pencil on paper
National Library of Poland
Fryderyk Chopin
Impromptu in C sharp minor, Op. 66
entry in the album of Baroness Frances Sara d'Est, autograph manuscript, 1835
Fryderyk Chopin Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 212 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 19, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
