Chopin Military Polonaise op 40 no 1 in A major

Chopin Military Polonaise op 40 no 1 in A major

The musicologist Arthur Hedley has observed that "As a pianist Chopin was unique in acquiring a reputation of the highest order on the basis of a minimum of public appearances—few more than thirty in the course of his lifetime." Chopin played more frequently in salons, not in big concert venues. He disliked a “public concert-giving” and meant that only an intimate, familiar atmosphere can let you be a witness of real art and feel the music and the artist’s soul deeply. In this concert program with the Title “Notturno” as a leitmotif, recorded at the beautiful chapel Styraburg (built at the 10th century, restored and modernized in the first half of the 19th century, at the times of Chopin’s life) we tried to come closer to the Chopin’s idea of how a piano concert should be like and to demonstrate an extract of the richness of Chopin’s palette of genres and composer’s style.

Chopin Polonaise in A major, Op. 40, No. 1: Embracing a "Chivalrous Soul"
I have always admired Frédéric Chopin for his sheer talent as well as for the ways in which he conveys emotions to the listener. From the suffocating sentiments defined by Prelude Opus 28 No. 4 in E minor to the tranquil elation associated with Opus 9 No. 2 in E-flat major, his breadth is only superseded by an innate ability to capture the audience. In order to fully appreciate such talent, I wished to explore every flavour of his compositions. Polonaise in A major (known as the "Military Polonaise") exposed me to yet another facet of this unique personality.

The Military Polonaise: Capturing Sonorous Chivalry

Many experts describe this piece using words such as "condensed" and "compressed"; neither a coda nor an introduction is present. However, I am immediately transported into what can only be called an 18th century sense of power and supremacy; not unlike the politics associated with the time of Chopin. I am also able to discern several unique elements within the Military Polonaise.

Pomp and Splendour

Although many listeners might associate this piece with a staccato rhythm, I feel much more when I become engrossed within its beauty. Akin to being baptised into a proud and nationalistic fervour, each note is perfectly matched with the others. I find that replicating the raw emotions within the Military Polonaise represents a personal journey in and of itself.