Chopin's bravura technique and poetic feeling defined a new style of pianism. The tonal narratives of his ballades interweave harmonies, rhythms, and textures—such as the contrasting themes that dramatically collide in Ballade No. 2.

Chopin's bravura technique and poetic feeling defined a new style of pianism. The tonal narratives of his ballades interweave harmonies, rhythms, and textures—such as the contrasting themes that dramatically collide in Ballade No. 2.