Chopin - Mazurkas Op.17

The next opus in my Chopin Mazurkas re-recording project ! I hope these are ok.

Chopin - Mazurka Op.17 No.1 in B flat major (2:28)
Chopin - Mazurka Op.17 No.2 in E minor (2:13)
Chopin - Mazurka Op.17 No.3 in A flat major (4:49)
Chopin - Mazurka Op.17 No.4 in A minor (4:12)

 

Hi Chris,

You probably remember that I rarely play dance forms, unless they're hyper-romantic waltzes. I did spot a mazurka here though that I've always thought was Chopin at his best in this genre--Op. 17, No. 4 in A minor. It's a plaintive piece with a wonderful melody which you've played very well here, including all of the difficult ornamentation. I really enjoyed hearing it.

David

 

Thanks David ! I guess Op. 17 no.4 is one of the best known Mazurkas, with no less than 5 recordings already on the site.

 

Good work.

The overall thing is that you could avoid sameness more. I'm not sure if similar phrases should be repeated in the same way (almost) every time. It's the question I was asking myself when I was playing this opus. And I still don't know the answer, but it just came to my mind again, when I was listening.

In the first mazurka I think you could use more time and add some rubato, but I liked it very much. There was one phrase where you can play in more pensive way in my opinion. But it's good.

The second mazurka I liked very much.

The third I don't like, because I don't like it as a piece, not your fault . This main motive is pretty annoying.

The fourth I interpreted in more contemplative way, but your interpretation is also good. I think you could more sing in ornaments. Also you could show more surprise when the repeated theme is finished with A major instead of minor.

 

Thank you, verqueue. The third of this set does not really speak to me either, it's one of the very few in the entire cycle.
There are so many possibilities with these pieces, and they are so very personal. Even after 40-odd years of playing them I don't feel I am even scratching the surface. I try hard to give each Mazurka their due, but recording a complete cycle always carries the risk of a certain middle-of-the-road quality. It's easier to cherry-pick the ones you like best, as most pianists do.

 

Re the first mazurka:

I haven't played these pieces before, but just listening it for the first time ... I like the way you articulate the piece, overall. It gives a good sense of the dance. I'm not sure what the dynamics are (don't have the sheet music), but I would have liked to hear a few quieter moments where it's marked piano. Nice work overall!

 

Thanks Jeff ! Yeah, playing quieter... now that is a challenge ! Dynamics seem to be the most difficult thing to achieve. I can't blame my grand for everything, but I am sure this would be easier on a more modern instrument.