Description
The Polonaise in C major, Op.89, written in 1814, was dedicated to Empress Elisabeth Alexeievna of Russia. Built on the stately rhythm of the Polish dance, it combines bold harmonic progressions with virtuosic ornamentation, giving it a brilliant character suited to salon performance. Dance forms of this kind are relatively rare among Beethoven's works, and at 341 seconds with 4,649 notes, it demands advanced-level virtuosity.
The polonaise, a stately Polish triple-time dance, including Chopin's grand works marked by a proud, march-like rhythm.
About the Composer
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Born in Bonn and active in Vienna, Ludwig van Beethoven is among the towering figures in music history, bridging the Classical and Romantic eras. Despite losing his hearing in later life, he continued composing, pursuing innovative forms and intense emotional expression in his symphonies and piano sonatas. His beloved piano piece "Fur Elise" and his 32 piano sonatas remain widely performed. This site features 96 of his works, including piano concertos and piano trios.
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