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The Music of Frederic Chopin

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Polonaise in A-flat by Chopin is one of his most popular polonaises. It was written in 1842 for a solo piano. Its form is ternary or A-B-A' with an introduction. The nationalistic sounds of this piece are heard through the dance-like and majestic sounds of a polonaise.

The introduction sets the scene for a dramatic mood by the use of fast ascending lines that build into the main theme. The triple meter also helps to set the scene for a stately Polish dance.

The A theme is in A-flat major, the tonic key. The stately or grandiose theme is then repeated in a louder statement, in octaves. There is a brief diversion, which features the typical polonaise rhythm. After repeating the main theme, there are closing cadence chords.

The B section is in E major, and the octaves of the left hand approach the limits of what the piano can do. These octaves are in rolled chords with rapidly descending octaves in the bass and played staccato. Then Chopin changes the mood of the piece. The emotional energy drops, and it becomes quieter, yet he maintains the rhythmic energy. Then a lyrical melody leads the listener back to a repeat of the A section.

The A' section is a shortened version of the A section, and the main theme is again heard in a loud and dramatic statement. The coda, or concluding section closes this work. It is animated and repeats the opening motive of the main theme. Then it closes with dramatic chords.

Throughout this piece, rubato is used to create a sense of dance and lightness.

This polonaise has a brilliance and grand style when played properly by a gifted pianist.

Prelude in E minor by Chopin was written in 1839 and is number four of his set of twenty-four preludes for the piano. This set was inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, which contains forty-eight preludes and fugues.

This set of preludes is similar to Bach's in that an infinite variety of form and texture are displayed, but unlike Bach's set of preludes and fugues, Chopin's do not serve to introduce anything. These preludes are set to be played as a cycle, and typical for Chopin, they present contrast, tension, and release. But they can be played individually.

Prelude in E minor is a small character work for the piano, and Chopin achieves great expressiveness even while keeping the melody simple and conjunct in the right hand only. This simple melody barely moves as the harmony shifts in chords with sometimes only one note changed at a time.