Description
Andante spianato et Grande polonaise brillante, Op.22, combines a Grande Polonaise originally written with orchestral accompaniment with a later-added Andante spianato as a calm, songful introduction for solo piano. The contrast between its gentle, singing opening and its brilliant, virtuosic polonaise makes it one of the finest examples of Chopin's showpiece style.
The polonaise, a stately Polish triple-time dance, including Chopin's grand works marked by a proud, march-like rhythm.
About the Composer
Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Frederic Chopin was born in Poland and made his career in Paris, remaining unusual among great composers for writing almost exclusively for piano. He poured his longing for his homeland into mazurkas and polonaises, while his ballades and etudes combine poetic melody with harmonic innovation. This site includes 131 of his works, including the "Revolutionary" Etude, Op. 10, No. 12, and Ballades No. 1 and No. 4.
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