Fantaisie-Impromptu, Op. 66

F. ChopinOp. 66 (posth.)

Key

C#m

Time

C

Tempo

♩=132

AO focus

AO2

Form

Allegro agitato — ABA. Chopin wrote it then suppressed it, asking for it to be destroyed; published posthumously. Now one of his most-played works. Cross-rhythms in the outer sections (RH 4 against LH 6) make this a famous coordination challenge.

Teaching points

• Cross-rhythm: RH plays 4 against LH 6 — practise hands separately, count both grids
• Central trio in D♭ major — lyrical, song-like (reused by Tin Pan Alley as 'I'm Always Chasing Rainbows')
• Practical: Grade 8 / diploma standard. The cross-rhythm is the gatekeeper