Polonaise in A-flat major

Polonaise in A-flat major, op. 53 or the "Heroic Polonaise" was written by Frédéric Chopin in 1842. It requires extreme virtuosity. Like most of Chopin's pieces, it uses tempo rubato or "robbed time" meaning that the timing of the notes can be "bent" by the performer. It's tempo is Alla polacca e maestoso (like a polonaise and majestic). The form is ternary (ABA), with a 20 second introduction.

Music

The piece has a grand introduction with fast ascending notes in both hands, setting the mood of the piece. The first theme is a dancelike theme and is in the tonic key of A-flat Major. It is the familiar part of the piece, and has the left hand moving in octaves. The theme is repeated and section A closes. Section B opens with loud descending octaves in the bass in the key of E Major. A lyrical melody follows the descending octaves and finally returns to the first theme. The theme is played louder and more dramatic and ends in a coda, a shorter version of the introduction.

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