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

10/10/2025

Promoting the idea of the Competition. Conversation with Joanna Bokszczanin, head of the Competition Organisation Office and secretary to the jury

‘Our role is not just to organise the competition and promote Chopin’s music, but also to support the competition winner entering the international arena. Thanks to concerts in prestigious halls, the winner has the opportunity to showcase their ability before a discerning audience and the major organisers of musical life in those places.’

NEWS

11/12/2025

The magic of vinyl

In 2025, during the 19th edition of the Chopin Competition and on the eve of its centennial celebrations, the Fryderyk Chopin Institute begins publishing a new, extraordinary phonographic series – on vinyl, featuring the highest sound quality and beautiful artwork. The series opens with recordings of competition performances by Maurizio Pollini and Janusz Olejniczak, as well as the last concert given in Poland by Artur Rubinstein.