Fryderyk Chopin began his creative journey with polonaises at the age of seven, and his last great piano solo piece was also a polonaise, the Polonaise-Fantasie.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Chopin's polonaises not only demonstrate his genius but also uniquely reflect the pianistic and stylistic evolution of his entire body of work.
Composition History
The Polonaise in A flat major (NE 3, 1821) was dedicated to Wojciech Żywny, Chopin's only piano teacher, and given to him as a name-day gift.
Compositional Technique
Chopin's Polonaise in F sharp minor, Op. 44, evokes two types of dance: the noble polonaise and a folk mazurka, specifically a kujawiak, in its trio section.
Recording & Production
The album was recorded in the Concert Hall of the Podkarpacka Philharmonic in Rzeszów, Poland, from February 22-24, 2015.
Recording & Production
This recording uses the National Edition of Fryderyk Chopin's Works, incorporating later versions of three Polonaises: A flat major (NE 3), F minor (NE 12), and A major Op. 40 No. 1.
Performer Biography
Andrzej Pikul, the pianist on this album, studied at the Academy of Music in Kraków and with Paul Badura-Skoda in Vienna, and has performed in prestigious venues worldwide.
You might also enjoy...
The Chopin Collection: Polonaises
Chopin: Polonaises
Chopin: Polonaises
Chopin: Polonaises Nos. 1-7
Chopin: Polonaises Nos. 1-6; Piano Sonata No. 3
Chopin: Complete Works - Polonaises (Golden Series)
