Publication: Paris, Simon Richault, 1857

Dedication: Jules Schulhoff

No. 2 "Fa" – Allegretto – A minor

Collection of Songs, Book 2, was published simultaneously with Book 1. Its structure follows the same key sequence as Book 1: "Hymn" – "Fa" – "Military Song" – "Procession = Nocturne" – "(Andantino)" – "Choral Barcarolle". Regarding No. 1 "Hymn", an autograph manuscript dated May 5, 1855, has been confirmed.

No. 2 "Fa" is based on a unique concept: the note F is continuously repeated throughout, regardless of modulations. In the sections in A minor, C major, and A major, the note E sharply clashes with F, but in the sections in B-flat major and A-flat major, the preceding E is displaced to E-flat, resulting in a harmonious sound. Perhaps the composer saw himself reflected in the note "Fa" as it attempts to maintain its identity while clashing or harmonizing with its constantly changing environment (tonal context). In the revised edition currently published by Billaudot, edited by I. Philipp and E.-M. Delaborde, the original title "Fa" has been replaced by the tempo marking "Allegretto". Here, the original title has been restored. Jules (Julius) Schulhoff (1825–1898), to whom the work was dedicated, was a Czech pianist and composer. He came to Paris in 1843 and received generous encouragement from Alkan and Chopin.