Chopin's compositions were written primarily for the piano as a solo instrument. Though they are technically demanding, the emphasis in his style is on nuance and expressive depth rather than sheer virtuosity. Chopin invented musical forms such as the instrumental ballade and was responsible for major innovations in the piano sonata, mazurka, waltz, nocturne, polonaise, etude, impromptu and prelude.

For the Chopin bicentenary year we feature the Piano Sonata No2 often performed by Sergei Rachmaninov who took liberties with the score that would receive disapproval from today's critics, Elgar's orchestral version of the Funeral March from the Sonata and the E minor Piano Concerto in two versions, one orchestrated by Balakirev and played by Friederick Gulda the other, a cut version, performed by Polish pianist Arthur Rubenstein in 1937.

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1st movemnet Alegro maestoso

2nd movement Romanza

3rd movement Rondo

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1st movemnet Alegro maestoso

2nd movement Romanza

3rd movement Rondo

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