Album insights
Works inspired by folk music from the 19th century come in diverse forms, particularly seen through piano music arrangements such as Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies and Brahms' Hungarian Dances. However, Chopin's Mazurkas stand apart as they creatively reshape traditional folk elements using original thematic material.
Mazurka, named after the Masovian region near Warsaw, gained recognition as a national stylized dance form in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The term encompasses various regional dance styles like the Mazur, Oberek, and Kujawiak, characterized by a triple meter, strong emphasis on the second or third beat, and dotted rhythms. Chopin's exploration of Mazurkas began with pieces in B-flat major and G major composed in 1826, with his final work, the Mazurka in G minor op. 67 No. 2, released in 1855.
Chopin's Mazurkas, totaling around 57 compositions, were created in groupings during his lifetime, with uncertain authenticity in some cases. The evolution and publication of these pieces were influenced by delays caused by revisions, improvisational origins, and additional ideas. The Mazurkas opus range from post-Warsaw compositions in Vienna (Opp. 6 and 7) to the later sets composed periodically between 1833 and 1847. Noteworthy pieces like Op. 17 No. 4 exhibit Chopin's transition towards more complex and aristocratic Mazurkas marked by tonal shifts and alluring codas.
Opus 30 and Opus 33 collections received acclaim from Schumann, who noted Chopin's exceptional ability to imbue each Mazurka with unique poetic and expressive qualities. These compositions displayed radiant qualities, capturing a growing familiarity with Chopin's style and an evolving brightness. Noteworthy dedications include friends like singers and aristocrats, adding personal touches to the Mazurkas' charm.
In a 1839 letter to Julian Fontana, Chopin highlighted the creation of four new Mazurkas, each carrying distinct emotional nuances. The op. 41 Mazurka in C-sharp minor, described as melancholic yet hopeful, showcases Chopin's ability to evoke deep sentiment through music. These Mazurkas hold a special place in the evolution of Chopin's distinct style, reflecting various emotional nuances and experiences from his life in Mallorca and Nohant.
Jeremy Nicholas © 2010
German: Ludwig Madlener