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

Question 1

date

Answer 1

1842

Question 2

genre

Answer 2

solo piano work

Question 3

structure

Answer 3

ABA1 (with Introduction and Coda)

Question 4

main key

Answer 4

A flat major

Question 5

time signature

Answer 5

3/4

Question 6

tempo

Answer 6

maestoso

Question 7

character/mood

Answer 7

stately, proud, majestic, VIRTUOSIC

Question 8

1 important term

Answer 8

chromaticism!

Question 9

introduction

Answer 9

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

Question 10

section A

Answer 10

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

Question 11

section B

Answer 11

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

Question 12

coda

Answer 12

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

Question 13

technical challenges

Answer 13

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