Polonaise
in A major, op. 40 no.1(Polonaise Militaire)
by Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)
This is the Polonaise in A major, the infamous Military Polonaise.
Perhaps I dislike it because it is mercilessly over-played. It's been a concert stage warhorse forever.
The endless repeats in the piece make it seem eternal. You keep hoping it will eventually end, but it doesn't.
The piece is brazenly loud....and only gets louder. Forte inevitably crescendos to Triple Forte, without mercy.
I have dared pianists to incorporate a pianissimo into this piece and it's a complete impossibility.
Reasons that I like it:
It's fun to play. Lot's of unabashed piano-pounding.
The thing is, the pianist has to have stamina and it helps to have large hands.
My hands are large. I can span an eleventh with my right hand - - and a twelfth with my left. That's very impressive.
My YouTube video of this piece leaves a lot to be desired. It's merely a "practice" video - - recorded while I was practicing, not performing.
It was recorded in Texas on a summer day that was nearly 110 degrees (Fahrenheit).
If nothing else, I should get kudos for successfully turning the pages.....
Jon
It certainly has lots of spirit, I feel like marching down the street. Your talent is endless !
ReplyDeleteJo
I never thought of this piece having "spirit", but it's certainly an accurate description. Thank you, Jo .
DeleteI didn't realize it was a military piece but that makes prefect sense because it makes you feel like marching and stomping along--lol!
ReplyDeleteThis piece would definitely inspire anyone to march around the room or at least exercise. Chopin wrote it in 1838 - but it was popularly used as a national symbol of Poland during World War II.
DeleteCatchy title! Reading your response to Rita, I'm thinking this would be a great prompt when (IF?) I resume my power walking again.
ReplyDeleteThis would definitely be an inspiration for power walking - - or marching around a room.
DeleteYet another great performance from you, Jon! I found that piece rather exciting! And that smile at the end? - LOVE IT! Jon, you have such a wonderful smile! Thank you for haring this with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kim. I smiled because I got through the piece without making a major mistake.....(*smile*).
DeleteI hope that you do not mind that I shared this on my Facebook page? I REALLY loved it!
ReplyDeleteMaybe pounding the keyboard for this piece helped you release some of your frustrations, Jon. It certainly isn't one that you would consider relaxing by any stretch.
ReplyDeletePlaying the piano has always been therapeutic for me, no matter what type of music I'm performing. The loud, rousing pieces definitely lend a way of releasing frustrations.
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