Definition: In the 19th century (Romantic era), a large-scale instrumental piece, usually for piano, that suggests a narrative or dramatic character. Chopin and Brahms wrote famous examples.
The Savvy Take: A Ballade is a story without words. When you play one, you can’t just play the notes; you need to map out the “plot points.” Where is the conflict? Where is the climax? If you don’t know the story, the audience won’t either.