The ''Tarantelle in A-flat major'', Op. 43 is a short piano piece in

tarantella () is a group of various southern Italian folk dances originating in the regions of Calabria, Campania and Puglia. It is characterized by a fast upbeat tempo, usually in time (sometimes or ), accompanied by tambourines. It is among the mo ...

form, written by

Frédéric Chopin Frédéric François Chopin (born Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin; 1 March 181017 October 1849) was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic period, who wrote primarily for solo piano. He has maintained worldwide renown as a leadin ...

in June 1841 and published in October 1841. It takes about 3 minutes to play. It is a moto perpetuo marked Presto, and requires an advanced technique. It was inspired by

Gioachino Rossini Gioachino Antonio Rossini (29 February 1792 – 13 November 1868) was an Italian composer who gained fame for his 39 operas, although he also wrote many songs, some chamber music and piano pieces, and some sacred music. He set new standards f ...

's song ''

La Danza "La danza" (Dance) (1835) is a patter song by Gioachino Rossini, in Tarantella napoletana time, the eighth song of the collection ''Les soirées musicales'' (1830–1835). The lyrics are by Count Carlo Pepoli (:it:Carlo Pepoli, it), librettist of ...

'', also written in the tarantella's characteristic 6/8 rhythm. Chopin went to some lengths to ensure the time signature was the same as Rossini's, and enlisted his friend

Julian Fontana Julian (or Jules) Fontana (31 July 181023 December 1869) was a Polish pianist, composer, lawyer, author, translator, and entrepreneur, best remembered as a close friend and musical executor of Polish composer Frédéric Chopin. Life Born in Wars ...

to check the best editions of Rossini's work for this detail. The manuscript shows Chopin changed his time signature from 12/8 to 6/8.Sotheby’s Auctions
/ref> There is no evidence the work was commissioned, nor was it dedicated to anyone.

Robert Schumann Robert Schumann (; 8 June 181029 July 1856) was a German composer, pianist, and influential music critic. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. Schumann left the study of law, intending to pursue a career a ...

described it as being in "Chopin's most extravagant manner; we see before us the dancer, whirling as if possessed, until our senses reel. To be sure, nobody could call this music lovely, but we willingly forgive the master his wild fantasy. For is he not once in a while permitted to display the dark side of his soul?..." Chopin himself said, "I hope I won't write anything as dreadful too soon".The Chopin Project
/ref> Despite this self-criticism, it has become a recording favourite, although it is less frequently performed in recital.

References

Compositions by Frédéric Chopin 1841 compositions Compositions for solo piano Compositions in A-flat major {{classical-composition-stub