Clara Schumann: Quatre Polonaises Op.1

Introduction

Quatre Polonaises pour le pianoforte by Clara Schumann was published in 1831, and is labeled as opus 1.

A work labeled as a "Polonaise" exhibits musical characteristics evoking the Polish dance form by the same (French-labeled) name. A 3/4 time signature setting is primary among these musical characteristics, and these four pieces by Clara Schumann are all in 3/4. No tempo indications are given on the score for the first three pieces. All of the pieces are in ternary form, with the middle section of each labeled as a "Trio."

• Polonaise 1 begins and ends in E-flat major. The middle Trio section is in A-flat major and is marked "delicato."
• Polonaise 2 begins and ends in C major. The middle Trio section is in F major and is marked "con delicatezza."
• Polonaise 3 begins and ends in D major and is expressively marked "risoluto." The key signature of the middle Trio section is overtly either F major or D minor. However, the use of chromatic tones obscures the tonic. This middle section is marked "espressivo."
• Polonaise 4 begins and ends in C major and is expressively marked "risoluto". The tempo indication is 92 quarter notes to the minute, and the tempo marking is "Moderato." The middle Trio section is in A minor. The tempo indication is 120 quarter notes to the minute, and the tempo marking is "Vivace."

(cpo 9997582)Clara Schumann: Complete Piano Works label in 2001 as part of Classic Produktion Osnabrück for the Jozef De Beenhouwer were recorded by Quatre PolonaisesThe