Chopin Military Polonaise op 40 no 1 in A major

Chopin Military Polonaise op 40 no 1 in A major

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The musicologist Arthur Hedley has observed that "As a pianist Chopin was unique in acquiring a reputation of the highest order on the basis of a minimum of public appearances—few more than thirty in the course of his lifetime." Chopin played more frequently in salons, not in big concert venues. He disliked a “public concert-giving” and meant that only an intimate, familiar atmosphere can let you be a witness of real art and feel the music and the artist’s soul deeply. In this concert program with the Title “Notturno” as a leitmotif, recorded at the beautiful chapel Styraburg (built at the 10th century, restored and modernized in the first half of the 19th century, at the times of Chopin’s life) we tried to come closer to the Chopin’s idea of how a piano concert should be like and to demonstrate an extract of the richness of Chopin’s palette of genres and composer’s style.

Chopin Polonaise in A major, Op. 40, No. 1: Embracing a "Chivalrous Soul"
I have always admired Frédéric Chopin for his sheer talent as well as for the ways in which he conveys emotions to the listener. From the suffocating sentiments defined by Prelude Opus 28 No. 4 in E minor to the tranquil elation associated with Opus 9 No. 2 in E-flat major, his breadth is only superseded by an innate ability to capture the audience. In order to fully appreciate such talent, I wished to explore every flavour of his compositions. Polonaise in A major (known as the "Military Polonaise") exposed me to yet another facet of this unique personality.

The Military Polonaise: Capturing Sonorous Chivalry

Many experts describe this piece using words such as "condensed" and "compressed"; neither a coda nor an introduction is present. However, I am immediately transported into what can only be called an 18th century sense of power and supremacy; not unlike the politics associated with the time of Chopin. I am also able to discern several unique elements within the Military Polonaise.

Pomp and Splendour

Although many listeners might associate this piece with a staccato rhythm, I feel much more when I become engrossed within its beauty. Akin to being baptised into a proud and nationalistic fervour, each note is perfectly matched with the others. I find that replicating the raw emotions within the Military Polonaise represents a personal journey in and of itself.

[danielcobia]

Who knew that a slightly honky-tonk piano could still produce such an enjoyable experience with Chopin. The performance was quite impressive, very clean.

[maryrubin]

She clearly breathes this music! It's probably the best I've heard! Most pianists rush through Chopin Polonaises, pounding out the notes - technically perfect but without understanding its lines- where it's going or how it returns home- and triumphantly so! I played this piece in my early teens, but only now see the difference the pianist makes! Bravo!

[stevensarovich]

Loved the comment about the forearms burning. I played this work at my last recital in 1969 and my piano teacher did not attend because she was jealous that I could handle the long reach chords Chopin used and she had small hands and could not. Still love listening to this piece.

[wojciechandrzejewski]

One of the bests perfomance ever. Lady Huppmann feels Chopin's soul. I'd like her to play in Poland.

[sinakhorasani]

Exactly one year later on June 24, 2019 the last gift arrived. Anastasia is infinitely precious and inspiring.

[logossemper]

When it sounds well played Chopin I immediately imagine beautiful Polish landscapes. This is how Chopin created his music, imagining beautiful Polish landscapes.

[aleksandrasiedlecka]

You can feel Fryderyk, you can feel Polish soul. Extremely. Beautiful workmanship ❤❤❤

[TheWolfgangfritz]

Steyr Austria is where I was born, in 1952. Thank you for playing there. Why such small gatherings; you could fill Concert Halls! You play with such ease and passion; you have truly mastered the piano and understand the music.

[yves-reneguilland]

Merci pour ce magnifique moment ! Bravo. .. Superbe . Vous vivez ' votre ' musique, c'est aussi beau de vous regarder jouer !

[jonathanljohnson]

Very moving performance! I thoroughly enjoyed it and it appears that you were also having an enjoyable time. Thank you again for sharing your wonderful talent!

[caroldodd]

I love this. It always changes my day. Imagine having this talent....and looking like this!

[gilbertomfalcoski]

Incredible the executions of Anastasia, beyond any compare, admiring your master works from the other side of the ocean! Give us more videos, please!

[yves-reneguilland]

non seulement ' LA BELLE ' nous fait le plaisir de pouvoir cette pièce super. Et si mangnifiquement bien jouée ! Mais ! Nous illumine par sa beauté dont ses mains dansent sur le clavier ! Tout cela est donc, un magnifique régal. Merci.

[JamesLangevinMusic]

Stunning! perfect and powerful interpretation. Chopin would be very pleased.

[gilbertomfalcoski]

Powerful and very pleasant chords, crystal clear notes, well-emphasized melody and a slavic super beautiful presentation! All the best, thank you for sharing!

[marshal]

I do love this ! Anastasia is stunning. A real angel !

[michellepivert]

ce que j'admire le plus chez cette magnifique pianiste c'est que toutes les notes de ses accords restent parfaitement perceptibles et procurent un merveilleux enchantement...

[wilou]

Hello Anastasia, I really love your interpretation ! I played that too fifteen or twenty years ago, I don't remember well, but what I remember is that I liked this Polonaise a lot. When I saw you smile from time to time, it remembered me that I smiled too when I played it. It's very enjoyable, not only as music but also technically. There are few other pieces that made me feel that (like that, I would say Orage or the first Étude transcendante, the fifth and the eighth Étude-Tableau Op.33, mmmmh, I really love to play those). All the body is involved, not only the hands. And the brains too, of course. I always have shivers when I listen to this piece, no exception with your interpretation. I saw that somebody in the comments didn't like the sound of the piano but it's not my opinion. It's refreshing to hear a Fazioli rather than a Yamaha or a Steinway, even if it's not perfectly tuned. That sounds very clear, forte without being to loud and much more "musique de salon" (and it was what Chopin himself liked). You manage to keep not only an intimate feeling but also the martial aspect of this Polonaise and I really love the mix ! And that rythm… It's not even human. I'm sure you eat a metronome every morning with your cereals ! :D In one word : it was fan-tas-tic ! W.

[robertcroft]

This melody hooked me on classical for life and here I am at 89 and still loving it !! A girlfriend of mine was a classical pianist and deserves all the credit Janie Mason, , Roanoke, , Va.

[arielfreire]

I love you my queen! Thank you for the beauty, for the art...The life is wonderful because you exist.