Formats and Editions
1. Polonaise in c#, Op.26, No.1
2. Polonaise in e flat, Op.26, No.2
3. Polonaise in A, Op.40, No.1, 'Military'
4. Polonaise in c, Op.40, No.2
5. Polonaise in f#, Op.44
6. Polonaise in A flat, Op.53, 'Heroic'
7. Polonaise in A flat, Op.61, 'Polonaise-Fant'
More Info:
The Polonaise in C-sharp minor, Op. 26 No. 1 and the Polonaise in E-flat minor, Op. 26 No. 2 were composed by Frédéric Chopin in 1836. Both of them were dedicated to Josef Dessauer. Both Polonaises require considerable technique and stamina to be performed well. The Polonaise opens with a fiery Allegro appasionato in C-sharp minor, the primary theme preceded by descending octaves. The section climaxes with a series of virtuosic arpeggio figures which give way to a tender melody. This is then followed by a repetition of the theme. After this opening section there is a new theme introduced in the enharmonic D-flat major. This new theme is then developed and followed by a new left hand melody, which increases the tension until a repeat of the meno mosso. This polonaise is very diverse in textures, dynamics, and moods, and sometimes is considered one of the best polonaises by Chopin.