Polonaise in A flat Major, op. 53 (Frederic Chopin) Flashcards
date
1842
genre
solo piano work
structure
ABA1 (with Introduction and Coda)
main key
A flat major
time signature
3/4
tempo
maestoso
character/mood
stately, proud, majestic, VIRTUOSIC
1 important term
chromaticism!
introduction
opens boldly with octaves on the dominant, followed by chromatically ascending first-inversion chords in parallel motion, and expanded through sequential repetition. Tension through dissonance (chromaticism) and crescendos
section A
principal theme announced in RH, uses characteristic polonaise rhythm. Theme is harmonized in thirds and ornamented with grace notes and appogiaturas. LH plays arpeggiated three-octave octaves. A sweeping ascending scale is heard 3 times in the section, adding virtuosity and brilliance
section B
E major (= F flat major, why??). LH plays ostinato pattern (staccato octaves). Proud martial character is achieved through dotted rhythms and chordal texture. Dramatic shift down a half step to D sharp major (= E flat, dominant). New theme is introduced, more lyrical, introspective, bel canto
coda
based on principal theme of section A. Majestic close is marked by an unorthodox harmonic progression (I - IIInat3 (major triad) - V7 - I)
technical challenges
ornaments, frequent use of single-hand octaves, sweeping ascending scales in section A, sweeping arpeggiation