Description
Published in 1835, Op.26 comprises two polonaises that mark a turning point away from Chopin's earlier bright salon style toward a darker, more dramatic tone. Tense dotted rhythms in the outer sections contrast with more songful middle passages, requiring both power and delicacy from the performer.
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.
View all works by Chopin →