Mazurka

Romantic works

Definition

A Polish dance in triple meter with characteristic rhythmic patterns including an accent on the second or third beat. More harmonically and rhythmically complex than the waltz, often drawing on folk modes and irregular phrase lengths.

Historical Context

Chopin elevated the mazurka from folk dance to sophisticated art form across 59 works, infusing them with modal harmonies, cross-rhythms, and profound nostalgia for his Polish homeland. Later composers including Szymanowski drew on the form's folk roots.

Works (30)

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