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 Frédéric François Chopin (born Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin; 1 March 181017 October 1849) was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic period, who wrote primarily for solo piano. He has maintained worldwide renown as a leadin ...

in 1836. Both of them were dedicated to

Josef Dessauer Josef Dessauer (28 May 1798 in Prague – 8 July 1876 in Mödling, near Vienna), was an Austrian-born composer who wrote many popular songs, and also some less successful operas. Life Dessauer was born into a wealthy Jewish family, and stu ...

. These were his first published polonaises.

Op. 26 No. 1 in C-sharp minor

The Polonaise opens with a fiery ''Allegro appassionato'' 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''. The piece ends in abrupt quietness.

Op. 26 No. 2 in E-flat minor

The Polonaise opens ominously but soon builds to become more agitated and passionate. The middle of the piece is a contrast to the dark atmosphere of the piece. Following the return of the main theme, the piece closes with subtlety, like its opus companion.

References

External links

* Polonaises by Frédéric Chopin 1836 compositions Compositions in C-sharp minor Compositions in E-flat minor Polonaises {{classical-composition-stub