Chopin Mazurkas

In the period between 1825 and 1849, Frédéric Chopin wrote at least sixty-nine mazurkas. Fifty-eight of these solo-piano pieces have been published. The mazurkas are based on traditional Polish dance (mazurek) and inspired by ideas of nationalism. Chopin's mazurkas influenced and inspired other eastern European composers to emphasize their national music.

Mazurka Op. 6, No. 1, is in F-sharp. One of the slower Chopin mazurkas, it uses Polish folk rhythms and modes, and is of moderate difficulty.

Mazurka Op. 7, No.1, is in B-flat major. Also known as Mazurka No. 5, its tempo is marked "Vivace".

Mazurka Op. 17, No. 4, is in A minor. One of the more popular mazurkas, its tempo is marked "Lento, ma non troppo".

Mazurka Op. 24, No. 1, is in G minor. Its tempo is marked "Lento".

Mazurka Op. 30, No. 2, is in B minor. Its tempo is marked "Vivace".

Mazurka Op. 33, No. 4, is in B minor. Its tempo is marked "Mesto" and it has a rustic, native quality.

Mazurka Op. 59, No.1, is in A minor. It is highly chromatic, and conveys a warm and comforting feeling.

Mazurka Op. 67, No. 2, is in G minor. It is marked "Cantabile" (songlike).

Mazurka Op. 67, No. 4, is in A minor. It is a short and beautiful piece.

Mazurka Op. 68, No. 2, is in A minor. It is beautiful and optimistic.

Mazurka Op. 68, No. 3, is in F major. It conveys a patriotic spirit.

Mazurka Op. 68, No. 4, is in F minor. Found among the composer’s notes and sketches after his death, it is unfinished, and may well have been Chopin's last composition.

Frédéric Chopin (1810 - 1849), who wrote mostly for solo piano, is generally considered to be one of the great masters of Romantic music. His work, often sounding like spontaneous improvisation, is characterized by beautiful rhythmic melodies expressive of heart-felt emotion.

Tutorials

Op. 30, No. 2 (IMSLP86545-PMLP02283)