Chopin, Frederic : Mazurka cis-moll Op.63-3
Work Overview
Instrumentation:Piano Solo
Genre:mazurka
Total Playing Time:2 min 30 sec
Copyright:Public Domain
Commentary (1)
Author : Saitoh, Noriko
Last Updated: July 1, 2007
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Author : Saitoh, Noriko
These Three Mazurkas, Op. 63, are dedicated to Countess Laura Czosnowska. This collection is the last set of mazurkas published during Chopin's lifetime.
The first piece, in B major, is marked Vivace. It is a mazur with characteristics of an oberek. A Kujawiak is inserted midway through the piece. The middle section modulates to A major.
The second piece, in F minor, is marked Lento. It is a nocturne-like Kujawiak. The middle section becomes a mazur. Throughout the entire piece, altered chords are frequently used.
The third piece, in C-sharp minor, is an Allegretto Kujawiak. The middle section is a typical mazur. In the coda, the technique of octave canon is employed, creating a fantastical atmosphere. Similar to the preceding piece, it possesses a nocturne-like character.
Note: Explanations of Kujawiak, Mazur, and Oberek can be found here (Noriko Sato's series page).