NEWS

How did Chopin play – vol. 8

13/10/2025

‘For Thalberg plays solidly, but he’s not my sort of man. […] He renders his piano by using the pedal, not with his hand,’ young Chopin criticized the playing style of the Austrian virtuoso Sigismund Thalberg in a letter to Jan Matuszyński. The issue of pedalling remained very important to the composer in later years, as we learn from the accounts of his students. ‘In the use of the pedal he had likewise attained the greatest mastery, was uncommonly strict regarding the misuse of it, and said repeatedly to the pupil: “the correct employment of it remains a study for life”’ – said Friederike Müller-Streicher. ‘Use the pedal with the greatest economy’ – Karol Mikuli confirmed, and Auguste Franchomme quoted the words of the Master: ‘Learn to make a diminuendo without the help of the pedal; you can add it later.’

Kamila Stępień-Kutera

Competition NewsSee all

NEWS

10/16/2025

Events accompanying the Chopin Competition

This year’s edition of the Chopin Competition is packed with exceptionally numerous accompanying events – its special status favours this state of affairs, since it marks the opening of celebration of Competition’s centenary, which falls in 2027 – we will be celebrating this anniversary through a series of events and projects over the next five years, culminating in the 20th edition in 2030.

NEWS

10/31/2025

A solemn celebration of Chopin

Lu, Chen, and Wang – the prize-winners of this year’s International Chopin Competition in Warsaw – performed at the Berlin Philharmonie as part of the Meister-Klavierabend (Master Pianists’ Evenings) concert series. This prestigious series brings to the Berlin Philharmonie some of the world’s most distinguished contemporary piano virtuosos: Bruce Liu, Khatia Buniatishvili, Ivo Pogorelich, Jan Lisiecki, and Roman Borisov.The cycle was inaugurated with a special performance by the laureates of the 2025 International Chopin Competition, appearing directly after the Warsaw finals.