Mazurkas, Op. 41 (Chopin)

Structure#

The order here is the order in the first German edition. The first French and English editions placed the C minor mazurka last rather than first.

Mazurka in C minor, Op. 41, No. 1#

The first mazurka is in C minor and has a time signature of . It also has the tempo marking: Maestoso. The Mazurka in C minor should really have a subtitle: in the Phrygian mode for this is the special quality of its main theme and the crowning climax at the end. How Chopin incorporates the mode into the piece is fascinating: The mazurka starts with an outlining of the Phrygian scale as a solo right hand melody, only then repeating it with harmonization and then subjecting it to harmonic development in E major. Various episodes introduce new key areas, all very clearly marked off from one another, many developing the dotted rhythm idea from the main theme. The big dominant build-up to the climax is quite awe-inspiring both in its length (14 bars) and its ubiquitous use of dotted rhythms. In the 13 bar coda Chopin takes us back to C minor and we enjoy the minor scale without the characteristic flattened supertonic of the Phrygian mode.

Mazurka in E minor, Op. 41, No. 2#

The second mazurka is in E minor and has a time signature of . It also has the tempo marking: Andantino.

Mazurka in B major, Op. 41, No. 3#

The third Mazurka is in B major and has a time signature of . It also has the tempo marking: Animato.

Mazurka in A major, Op. 41, No. 4#

The final mazurka in the set is in A major and has a time signature of . It also has the tempo marking: Allegretto.

External links#

• Mazurka Op. 41 No.1, No.2, No.3 and No.4, played by Arthur Rubinstein (YouTube) *