Chopin: Mazurka Op. 17 No. 2 in e minor

Wow... popular piece, but I'll try to analyze it as best I can, without stepping on too many toes. Our introductory section is made up of 2 symetric (although lengthened) phrases that form a parallel period. The first phrase lasts for 12 measures, introducing our main theme and Chopin's trademark flowing rhythmic and dynamic style. This first phrase ends with a half cadence, before repeating our original material in the second phrase. This time we end on a PAC to bring a nice round nature to this first section. In the second section is again a parallel period, however now we have the 8-measure phrases we're used to. I would describe this as transitional material, since we meander through this section and end up in a new key (dead giveaway). We do have new material, but maintain a similar style and maintain the same key, linking it to the first section. Now , we develop this new key for a total of 12 measures (mirroring the length of the first phrase, pretty nifty, eh?) cycling through a number of different trasitions before we return to our original material. Now we begin our terminative function, repeating our original material for 10 measures, before extending it out into a final, definative cadence(we reach a half cadence, then extend out to a final PAC). Another fine Polish dance from a composer who was neither Polish, or by any account a fine dancer.