A Short Guide to Chopin's Musical Genres

Chopin was a prolific writer over his 39 years on earth, penning at least 4 ballades, 27 etudes, 4 impromptus, 51 mazurkas, 21 nocturnes, 16 polonaises, 25 preludes, 4 scherzos, 3 piano sonatas, 18 waltzes, two piano concertos, and numerous other miscellaneous piano works including such masterpieces as his Barcarole, Berceuse and Fantasy in F minor.

Some of these genres are common and self-explanatory, especially his piano sonatas and piano concertos modeled after classical form. But most of Chopin's forms were unusual, original or at minimum redefined by Chopin.