Polonaise in A flat Major, op. 53 (Frederic Chopin) Flashcards

1
Q

date

A

1842

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2
Q

genre

A

solo piano work

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3
Q

structure

A

ABA1 (with Introduction and Coda)

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4
Q

main key

A

A flat major

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5
Q

time signature

A

3/4

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6
Q

tempo

A

maestoso

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7
Q

character/mood

A

stately, proud, majestic, VIRTUOSIC

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8
Q

1 important term

A

chromaticism!

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9
Q

introduction

A

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

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10
Q

section A

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

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11
Q

section B

A

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

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12
Q

coda

A

based on principal theme of section A. Majestic close is marked by an unorthodox harmonic progression (I - IIInat3 (major triad) - V7 - I)

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13
Q

technical challenges

A

ornaments, frequent use of single-hand octaves, sweeping ascending scales in section A, sweeping arpeggiation

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