polonaise in a flat major, op 53 Flashcards
1
Q
what was this dance used for
A
danced in aristocratic circles for the opening of balls.
2
Q
genre
A
- solo piano music
3
Q
composition date
A
1842
4
Q
form
A
aba
5
Q
key
A
a flat major
6
Q
meter
A
3/4
7
Q
tempo
A
maestoso
8
Q
introduction
A
- opens body with octaves on the dominant
- followed by chromatically ascending first-inversion chords in parallel motion
- expanded through sequential repetition
9
Q
section a
A
- 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
10
Q
section b
A
- 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
11
Q
coda
A
- based on the principal theme of section a
- majestic close is marked by an unorthodox harmonic progression I-III (major triad) -V7-I
