Chopin composed his first polonaise, the Polonaise in G minor, at the age of seven in 1817.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Chopin imagined his Polonaise in A major as a 'coronation polonaise,' reflecting his constant hope for the resurrection of the Polish state.
Historical Context
Chopin's polonaises are deeply connected to his patriotic feelings and the tragic situation of Poland during his lifetime.
Performer Biography
Rafał A. Łuszczewski, the pianist on this album, made his international debut at age 16 with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra in Japan.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Chopin's scherzos often create a dramatic contrast between an 'outside world' of unrest and threat, and an 'internal world' offering solace and refuge.
Performer Biography
Since 2001, Rafał A. Łuszczewski has been listed as a Steinway Artist on the 'Steinway & Sons Artists' Roster' in New York, which features the world's finest pianists.
Compositional Technique
Chopin significantly expanded the scherzo form, making it an autonomous genre rather than just a part of a larger work like a sonata or symphony.
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