Polonaise in F sharp minor (Chopin)

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The Polonaise in F sharp minor op. 44 by Frédéric Chopin was written in 1841. The Polish composer dedicated the work to a sister of his friend, the singer Delfina Potocka . The work was written during the composer's middle creative period and is the twelfth of his 17 polonaisees . It is the fifth composition of this genre to be given an opus number . With a duration of around eleven minutes, it is one of Chopin's longer polonaises.

The four-part structure

The Polonaise in F sharp minor is a large, four-part sound painting. The heroic introduction increases from restrained piano to double-fingered octaves in fortissimo . Immediately connected is the main theme (A theme), the course of which extends into the four-dashed octave. The thundering octaves in forte are not a decorative accessory, but an important means of tonal demonstration. A subsequent B minor theme (B theme) takes on the upbeat character of the A theme. Both themes are repeated intensely and are given an almost aggressive character through resolute double dots. During the repetition, the themes are decorated with virtuoso scales.

The second part of the polonaise is based on a unison two-stroke motif. The scenery is only interrupted by a brief echo of the B-theme.

In the third part of the polonaise, Chopin incorporates a Trio di Mazurka . The song-like A major theme determines this part, which is repeated in itself. Thirds and sixths outline the pictorial, typically romantic theme. This is supported by a wide bass foundation.

The fourth part of the work is a shortened repetition of the first part. This completes the structure of the work. At the end, imposing octave passages are followed by a simple, calm theme, which is juxtaposed with the A theme in the bass in the left hand.

literature

  • Hansjürgen Schaefer: concert book piano music AZ, VEB German publishing house for music, Leipzig 1958
  • Hans Wüst: Frederic Chopin - Letters and Testimonies, 2005

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