It is sprightly, Polish in feeling and
rhythmic life, and a glance at any of its pages gives us the
familiar Chopin impression--florid passage work, chords in
extensions and chromatic progressions. The Concert Rondo, op. 14,
in F, called Krakowiak, is built on a national dance in two-four
time, which originated in Cracovia. It is, to quote Niecks, a
modified polonaise, danced by the peasants with lusty abandon.
Its accentual life is usually manifested on an unaccented part of
the bar, especially at the end of a section or phrase. Chopin's
very Slavic version is spirited, but the virtuoso predominates.
There is lushness in ornamentation, and a bold, merry spirit
informs every page. The orchestral accompaniment is thin.
Dedicated to the Princesse Czartoryska, it was published June,
1834. The Rondo, op. 16, with an Introduction, is in great favor
at the conservatories, and is neat rather than poetical, although
the introduction has dramatic touches. It is to this brilliant
piece, with its Weber-ish affinities, that Richard Burmeister has
supplied an orchestral accompaniment.
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