Classical Music | Piano Music

Frédéric Chopin

Polonaise in A-flat Major, Opus 53  Play

Sha Wang Piano

Recorded on 02/17/2010, uploaded on 06/24/2010

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Composed during a relatively happy period in the composer’s life in 1842, the Polonaise in A-flat major, sometimes referred to by its nickname “Heroic,” is one of Frédéric Chopin’s most well-known compositions for the piano. It is a technically demanding work full of virtuosic piano writing. Like so many of Chopin’s dances, it borrows the characteristic elements of the dance—in this case, a tripartite form, slow tempo and stately rhythms—but then treats them as the foundation around which to build a florid artwork that belong solely on the concert stage.

A prolonged introduction, traversing myriad harmonies in its long trek from dominant to tonic, immediately creates a sense of grandeur and expectation. After coming to rest on the dominant major ninth, the majestic first theme of the Polonaise (for which the work is known) enters upon the scene with grace and dignity. The theme’s middle strain temporary subsides into a more lyrical tune and briefly suggests the key of F minor, though never confirms it. This strain, however, is brief and is followed shortly by a further statement of the opening melody.

The central episode shifts to the key of E major, established in two measures of full-voiced tonic chords. Following this brief introduction, a moto perpetuo of sixteenth notes, descending from tonic to dominant and reinforced in octaves, begins in the bass over which the episode’s melody is heard. The melody builds slowly eventually reaching an exuberant forte at the same moment it sidesteps into the key of D-sharp major. The process is repeated again except this time the change to D-sharp is taken as the pivotal point upon which to return to the tonic key of A-flat. However, the return to the opening is not made nor is the tonic key maintained for long. A new melody emerges over a stately accompaniment. Closing in C minor, a lengthy transition passage, somewhat improvisatory in character, then follows and leads to the final reprise of the opening theme. A brief coda, formulated from the head motif of the theme, concludes the piece.      Joseph DuBose

Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53           Frédéric Chopin

As we celebrate the bicentennial of Chopin's birth this year, I couldn't help but revisit the life and legacy the composer left behind. His contemporary, Robert Schumann, declared, "Hats off gentlemen! A genius!" and he described Chopin's music as "cannons concealed in flowers." Much of Chopin's compositional life was spent outside his native Poland. His love for his country and agony over the invasion of Warsaw were conveyed entirely through his musical compositions.  

The Polonaise in A-flat Major was written in 1842. This masterpiece is perhaps one of Chopin's most popular compositions and has always been a favorite of the classical piano repertoire. With only occasional polonaise rhythmic patterns, the music is more a free spirited anthem of Chopin's true Polish heritage than a traditional polonaise. The military march-like middle section gives the piece its nickname, "the Heroic".     Sha Wang