In the development of the
Polonaise everything co-operated which specifically distinguished
the nation from others. In the Poles of departed times manly
resolution was united with glowing devotion to the object of
their love. Their knightly heroism was sanctioned by high-soaring
dignity, and even the laws of gallantry and the national costume
exerted an influence over the turns of this dance. The Polonaises
are the keystone in the development of this form. They belong to
the most beautiful of Chopin inspirations. With their energetic
rhythm they electrify, to the point of excited demonstration,
even the sleepiest indifferentism. Chopin was born too late, and
left his native hearth too early, to be initiated into the
original character of the Polonaise as danced through his own
observation. But what others imparted to him in regard to it was
supplemented by his fancy and his nationality."
Chopin wrote fifteen Polonaises, the authenticity of one in G
flat major being doubted by Niecks. This list includes the
Polonaise for violoncello and piano, op.
Pages:
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342