Happy Independence Day from Delos!
There have always been “revolutionary” links between France and America. France actively assisted the American revolutionary effort, and several prominent French citizens – most notably the Marquis de Lafayette – boosted the cause individually. France, in the 1780’s, was the first European country to experience a national revolution of its own. Thus our national psyches have long shared similar ideals of liberty and equality.
So, why not add Fredéric Chopin to the list of French revolutionaries (at least adopted ones)? Chopin, a passionately patriotic Polish exile, made Paris his primary home from 1831 onwards. His pioneering approach to romantic piano music was certainly “revolutionary” in its time. Of several works that he poured his patriotic emotions into, the most famous is his “Revolutionary” Etude (Op. 10, No. 12): a work that he wrote at about the same time as the failed Polish “November Uprising” against the Russians in 1831. In fact, most of Chopin’s mature works were written in France: Paris or elsewhere. Thus it’s entirely appropriate to add Chopin to the list of France’s contributions to revolutionary spirit.
And now, with distinguished pianist Evelyne Brancart’s new Delos release of Chopin’s 24 Études (Op. 10 and 25), we get yet another kind of “revolutionary” approach to music, in the form of mouth-watering recipes for assorted culinary delights that Evelyne has paired with each of the 24 individual works. And we’re getting them just in time to try them out for family and friends over the Fourth of July weekend. Enjoy!
Here are some Fourth of July inspired recipes from Chez Chopin! Remember that if you want these right away to make for your celebrations, the digital downloads include the digital booklet of the recipes!
Opus 10, No. 8 (Ornamented roumaine) – A perfect and healthy tray to snack on before dinner or fireworks!
Opus 10, No. 9 (Chocolate Nostalgia) – You can’t have a summer holiday celebration without ice cream!
Opus 10, No. 10 (Puff pastry with fruit) – Let’s just call this the Chez Chopin version of Apple Pie, the most American of desserts!
Opus 10, No. 12 (Coffee & Florentines) – For Independence Day, we couldn’t not include the “Revolutionary” Étude!
Opus 25, No. 6 (Melon necklace) – Want to spice up how you serve that 4th of July must — watermelon? This is the recipe for you!
Opus 25, No. 9 (Exotic Fruits) – We couldn’t have a food and music post for Independence Day without a little Red-White-And-Blue!