Top 7 Frédéric Chopin Pieces with Sheet Music

Ready to immerse yourself in the musical genius of Frédéric Chopin? The polish composer was born in 1810, right before the start of the romantic era. Soon revealing himself to be a child prodigy, Chopin started playing the piano at only 6 years old. He continues his musical studies in Warsaw, Poland, before settling in Paris in 1831, where he also died in 1849, at only 39 years old due to tuberculosis. Today, Chopin's reputation as a renowned composer and one of the best virtuoso pianists of the Romantic era still stands, with numerous compositions and masterpieces that have resonated with audiences for centuries. Keep reading to learn more about some of his most iconic compositions that every musician or classical music lover should explore—and learn to play with our Chopin sheet music! Download the Metronaut App and click on the links to access the sheet music available on the app, so you can bring these works to life on your own instrument. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, our sheet music arrangements adapt to all skill levels. And, with Metronaut’s dynamic accompaniments, you can enjoy the experience of playing alongside an orchestra or piano that matches your tempo in real time! You can also check out our full collection of Chopin sheet music.

1. Nocturne Op.9 No.2

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Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major Op. 9 No. 2, is definitely one of his most popular and recognizable pieces. Written between 1831 and 1832, the first years in which he moved to Paris, this nocturne is dedicated to Marie Pleyel, a notable Belgian pianist who was married to Camille Pleyel, Chopin's friend and heir of the Pleyel pianos. This nocturne presents a delicate melody along with embellishments that give it a graceful atmosphere and make it even more beautiful to listen to. It's often featured in movies, and a go-to for pianists beginning to play Chopin's repertoire.

2. Fantaisie-Impromptu Op.66

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One of Chopin's most energetic and dramatic works, the Fantaisie-Impromptu, Op. 66 was composed in 1834 but published in 1855, after his death. However, Chopin had asked that all his unpublished manuscripts be destroyed upon his death, so he never intended for this piece to be published posthumously! Nevertheless, it has become popular due to its fast, elegant passages which contrast a peaceful middle section. Its intensity allows pianists to showcase their technical and emotional abilities in their playing.

3. Nocturne in C♯ Minor

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Frédéric Chopin's Nocturne in C-sharp Minor is emotional and expressive, known for its deeply melancholic melody. Composed in 1830, it was also published posthumously in 1875 and was dedicated to his older sister, Ludwika Chopin. At the time he was composing it, Chopin was just 20 years old and living in Warsaw, Poland, which was in the middle of the November Uprising against Russian rule. Many people believe the melancholic atmosphere of the Nocturne in C-sharp Minor is tied to the political turmoil of the polish composer's home country at the time. The arpeggios in the left hand accompany the lyrical melody in the right, creating a hauntingly beautiful sound, which continues to move audiences today.

4. Minute Waltz Op.64 No.1

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Also known as the Waltz in D-flat Major, Frédéric Chopin's Minute Waltz Op. 64 No. 1 was composed and published in 1847, towards the end of his life. This energetic work is quick and lively, which can present many technical challenges to pianists learning it, in particular with maintaining the fast tempo while playing all the notes with precision. But why is it called the Minute Waltz? Many people interpret the title to mean that the waltz should be played in one minute, which even at a rather fast tempo would prove to be extremely challenging. In fact, most interpretations of the waltz are around two minutes long. Instead, minute is used as an adjective, synonym to "small", characterizing this piece as short and concise. Though it was composed at a time when Chopin's health was declining, the piece is one of the most energetic and playful in his repertoire. It follows a waltz structure with triple meter, a lively tempo and rhythmic left hand chords.

5. Prelude – 4. Largo

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The 24 Preludes Op.28 are short pieces for the piano, each written in one of the 24 major and minor keys, and composed between 1835 and 1839. The preludes are coupled in succession by the major and its alternative minor key. The 4th prelude in E minor, referred to by its tempo marking "Largo", is one of Chopin's most beloved and emotional pieces, said to represent sadness and contemplation. Perhaps one of Chopin's simpler pieces from a technical standpoint, the true challenge lies in effectively conveying the deep emotions through the seemingly simple notes. The Largo is built around a mournful melody in the right hand, supported by a progression of chords in the left. It also plays with dissonances followed by slight tonal resolutions, creating a sense of constant tension and uncertainty. This prelude has been included in numerous films and public performances.

6. Piano Sonata No.2 in B♭ Minor Op.35 – 3. Funeral March

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Continuing with the mournful, melancholic atmosphere, the third movement of Chopin's Piano Sonata No.2 in B♭ Minor Op.35 is known as the Funeral March. Right from the opening, an uneasy feeling of grief, sadness and tragedy falls upon the listener, mimicking a solemn procession and death. The movement then enters a more serene middle section, bringing a moment of lightness that contrasts the dark opening, before returning to the introductory theme at the end thus leaving the listener with this gloomy atmosphere. This funeral march was supposed to have been composed in 1837 as a standalone, while the rest of the sonata was composed in 1839. The march was supposedly played at Chopin’s own funeral in 1849, as well as at the funerals of other notable figures, including Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy. This piece continues to be one of Chopin's most notable legacies, displaying his ability to express human emotion in music through his impactful compositions.

7. Études Op.10 – 3. Tristesse

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Our list ends with another melancholic iconic composition of Frédéric Chopin: the Études Op.10 No.3 in E Major, often called "Tristesse" meaning sadness in french (though Chopin didn't give it this name himself). Published in 1833 in his first set of études, or studies (among a total of 27 études), it stands out for its melodic beauty and representation of Chopin's earlier composition style. Less technically demanding than some of his other pieces, its simplicity portrays different expressions and emotions. Here, the challenge is to approach it with sufficient nuance to properly convey its emotional weight.

Keep exploring Chopin's musical compositions further in our full collection of Chopin Sheet Music. Or check out more sheet music of compositions of the romantic genre, featuring Tchaikovsky, Schumann, and Mendelssohn.

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