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Thursday, February 10, 2005

Chopin Mazurka in E minor

Chopin: Mazurka in E minor, Op. 17 no. 2


I had a difficult time analyzing this piece, partially because of the great improvisatory feeling that occurs throughout the piece. However, as near as I can tell...
The piece is in ternary form. The A section is a double period, and each half of the period has 3 phrases. The first 3 end with a HC, and the second with a PAC. There is a definitie antecedent/consequent relationship going on here. The second half of the period is much stronger because of the cadences, which creates a strong "answer" to the "question" that was asked by the first half of the period.
The B section has a very rubato feeling, which is a typical quality of Chopin's music and most music throughout the romantic period. I love the improvisational feeling of Chopin's music because it makes the melody so intriguing. You never know just what it's going to do, and it just sounds so natural. This section occurs from measures 25-53, and there are three phrases. I analyzed them as a phrase group rather than a period, because there is no real sense of an antecedent/consequent relationship.
When the A section returns, it has been shortened from 24 measures to 16 measures. The fact that is is shorter gives the piece a nice sense of finality.
Well kids, I gave it my best shot...


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