Chopin's Piano: In Search of the Instrument That Transformed Music

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The narrative explores the journey of Frédéric Chopin's twenty-four Preludes, focusing on the instruments used, notable pianists, and the traditions they embody. Central to the story is Chopin's Mallorquin pianino, saved by Wanda Landowska, which gained significant cultural importance during World War II as the Nazis sought to claim Chopin's legacy. Through rich prose and detailed storytelling, Paul Kildea delves into the transmission and interpretation of art, offering insights into the complexities of musical Romanticism and its appropriation over time.