Chopin's works during his time seldom
mentioned his technical achievements; if included, they were discussed only in
broad terms.
Of the various sources consulted, it is evident that the
majority of critics disagree with Schumann's comments. Those who do agree
constitute a group originating mainly from the mid- to late-nineteenth and
early-twentieth centuries. Prior to the 1940s, most writings concerning
Chopin's opus 35 were decidedly negative, although some critics questioned
Schumann's reasoning for his reservations about the work. One such writer was
Henry T. Finck, who, in his 1889 work Chopin
and Other Musical Essays, daringly proclaims:
I do not know whether he was a German or a French critic who
first wrote that Chopin, although great in short pieces, was not great enough
to master the sonata form. Once in print, this silly opinion was repeated
parrot-like by scores of other critics. How
silly it is may be inferred from the fact that such third-rate composerlings as
Herz and Hummel were able to write sonatas of the most approved pattern - and
that, in fact, any person with the
least musical talent can learn in a few years to write sonatas that are
absolutely correct as regards form. And yet we are asked to believe that
Chopin, one of the most profound and original musical thinkers the world has
ever seen, could not write a correct sonata! ...Chopin not able to master the
sonata form? The fact is, sonata form
could not master him.
Finck may have a valid point in believing that many
critics blindly agreed with each other (and therefore with Schumann) without
looking at the work objectively and drawing their own conclusions. He adds that
Chopin was not the first who tried to get away from the sonata, citing the
numerous poetic licences evident in Beethoven's sonatas as an example. This
negative attitude, however, changed drastically in the twentieth century. Since
the mid-1940's, the vast majority of writings on the subject of opus 35 are
positive and oppose many aspects of Schumann's critique. Evidence of this is
found in several analyses undertaken, the most important of which will be
