Chopin Songs for Guitar: Free Sheet Music Transcribed by Artiom Galuza

Fryderyk Chopin is so closely tied to the piano that it is easy to forget he also wrote songs. Fewer than twenty survive, most of them settings of Polish poetry, and they remain some of the least explored music in his catalogue. A new collection by guitarist Artiom Galuza brings three of these Chopin songs to the classical guitar, and the sheet music is now available as a free download on TeacherNet.

The collection includes Spring (Wiosna), The Wish (Życzenie, also spelled Zyczenie), and Hulanka (Drinking Song), all from Chopin's Op. 74. Each was originally written for voice and piano to poems by Stefan Witwicki, whose collection Piosnki sielskie (Idyllic Songs) was published in Warsaw in 1830. Galuza's goal was to stay faithful to Chopin's score while writing music that feels natural on the guitar, adapting the accompaniment and texture without losing the character of each song.

Spring (Wiosna), Op. 74 No. 2

A lyrical Andantino and the most approachable of the three, Spring is a lovely introduction to Chopin for intermediate guitarists. Galuza sets it in A minor, a whole tone above the original, and trims some of the repetitions. In the vocal version, the melody passes between voice and piano, but on a single guitar those returns would sound nearly identical, so fewer repeats keep the music moving.

The Wish (Życzenie), Op. 74 No. 1

The Wish is the only transcription in the set that keeps Chopin's original key of G major. Galuza tunes the fifth string down to G, giving the arrangement a warm, resonant bass that supports a singing melodic line.

Hulanka (Drinking Song), Op. 74 No. 4

Hulanka closes the collection with a burst of energy. Marked Vivace, it is full of folk-inspired rhythm and sharp contrasts, and it is the most technically demanding of the three. It makes a vivid, dance-like addition to any recital program.

Free Chopin Guitar Sheet Music

The edition includes notes on the songs and their origins, Galuza's commentary on each transcription, and full fingerings and barre indications throughout. For guitarists looking to explore Chopin beyond the piano literature, this free classical guitar sheet music is a rewarding place to start.