Mazurkas, Op. 33 (Chopin)
Mazurkas, Op. 33, are a set of four mazurkas for piano by Frédéric Chopin, composed and published in 1838.[1] The pieces were dedicated to Countess Róża Mostowska.
The autograph manuscript of the mazurkas is preserved in the National Library of Poland.[2]
Analysis
No. 1 in G♯ minor
In G-sharp minor, the opening mazurka of the set has a tempo marking of Mesto. The piece, spanning a total of 48 bars, has the dynamic marking forte marked twice in an otherwise quiet solitude. This intimate piece is considered less complicated than many of Chopin's other mazurkas.[1][3]
No. 2 in D major
Mazurka in D major, Op. 33, No. 2, the second piece of the collection, is one of the most popular mazurkas. It has a fast tempo and strong, irregular accents.
The piece begins with a joyful theme decorated with ornaments. After a second theme is introduced, the main theme is repeated for a second time. The main theme oscillates between D and A major on both entrances. The mazurka concludes with a separate coda section that introduces a brief new theme before ending with an ascending folk scale high into the upper register.
An average performance of this mazurka lasts around 3 minutes.[1][3]
No. 3 in C major
Mazurka in C major, Op. 33, No. 3, the third of the set, has an expression marking of semplice. This miniature is warm and almost resembles a lullaby, showing a different approach to the mazurka genre. Slightly accented second beats preserve the mazurka identity.[1][3]
No. 4 in B minor
The final mazurka in B minor is one of the longest mazurkas at an approximate length of 5 to 6 minutes. The piece is written in an A–B–A–B–C–A structure, similar to rondo form.
The piece begins with a captivating main melody decorated with grace notes and trills. This melody is repeated a total of eight times throughout the piece; between it, different melodies appear, but the main melody always returns.[1][3] The B section in B♭ major follows the theme. The C section is in B major, the parallel key of B minor.
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 [Kristen Grimshaw. Frédéric Chopin: Mazurkas (4) for piano, Op. 33, CT. 72–75 at AllMusic
- ↑ "Autograph manuscript of the work", National Library of Poland
- 1 2 3 4 "Mazurkas at the Vancouver Chopin Society". Archived from the original on 18 August 2010. Retrieved 15 December 2009.
External links
- Mazurkas, Op. 33 (Chopin): Scores at the International Music Score Library Project
- Four Mazurkas, Op. 33 on YouTube, William Yang (2025 National Chopin Competition, semifinals, Newman Recital Hall, University of Miami)
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