Chopin: Andante spianato et Grande polonaise brillante, Op. 22

Description

The Grande Polonaise is brilliant, showy and spectacular. The central section is in the character of a nocturne, Andante spinato, and creates a subtle mood that is destroyed by the stormy rhythms of the polonaise. This work is often performed without the orchestra - the Andante spinato was immediately prepared for piano solo.

The National Edition was based on sources originated from the composer, mainly autographs, copies of autographs and first editions with the composer's corrections, and pupils' copies with Chopin's annotations. in cases when original sources were lacking, the closest possible materials were used. Collecting the source materials was a laborious task which took years of effort. The characteristics of sources, the links and discrepancies between them as well as the reasons for particular editorial decisions are discussed in the Source Commentary in each volume. The Performance Commentary appended to each volume includes: the realization of ornaments, comments on pedal markings (the original markings sometimes are inadequate, due to the difference in sound between pianos used in Chopin`s times and modern pianos), suggestions as to the "harmonic legato" (a performance technique often used by Chopin and now forgotten).