Frédéric Chopin · 1810–1849
Mazurka cis-moll Op 41 Nr 4
Performed by Christoph Zbinden · 3:23
The first mazurka is in C-sharp minor and has a time signature of 3/4. It also has the tempo marking: Maestoso. The Mazurka op.41 no.4 in C sharp minor should really have a subtitle: in the Phrygian mode for this is the special quality of its main theme and the crowning climax at the end. How Chopin incorporates the mode into the piece is fascinating: The mazurka starts with an outlining of the Phrygian scale as a solo right hand melody, only then repeating it with harmonization and then subjecting it to harmonic development in E major. Various episodes introduce new key areas, all very clearly marked off from one another, many developing the dotted rhythm idea from the main theme. The big d