Description
Written in 1834, this A-flat major mazurka pairs a graceful, ornamented melodic line with the dance's shifting triple-meter accents. Its bright major-key character reflects the elegant charm typical of Chopin's earlier Parisian works. Careful attention to the mazurka's characteristic rhythmic sway, along with clean articulation of its ornaments, brings out its understated sophistication in a piece lasting only about two minutes.
Works based on Polish folk dance, infused with Chopin's longing for his homeland — deeply personal music.
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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