polonaise in a flat major, op 53

Question 1

what was this dance used for

Answer 1

danced in aristocratic circles for the opening of balls.

Question 2

genre

Answer 2

• solo piano music

Question 3

composition date

Answer 3

1842

Question 4

form

Answer 4

aba

Question 5

key

Answer 5

a flat major

Question 6

meter

Answer 6

3/4

Question 7

tempo

Answer 7

maestoso

Question 8

introduction

Answer 8

• opens body with octaves on the dominant
• followed by chromatically ascending first-inversion chords in parallel motion
• expanded through sequential repetition

Question 9

section a

Answer 9

• principal theme announced in right hand; uses characteristic polonaise rhythm
• theme is harmonized in thirds and ornamented with grace notes and appoggiaturas
• left hand plays octaves that leap vigorously over a span of three octaves
• a sweeping ascending scale is heard three times in this section, adding virtuosity and brilliance

Question 10

section b

Answer 10

• left hand plays ostinato pattern, staccato octaves
• proud martial character achieved through dotted rhythms and chordal texture
• dramatic shift down a half step to the key of d sharp major
• new theme introduced at m 121
• more introspection, lyrical style; shows influence of bel canto style, and offers opportunities for expressive rubato in performance

Question 11

coda

Answer 11

• based on the principal theme of section a
• majestic close is marked by an unorthodox harmonic progression I-III (major triad) -V7-I