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Romantic · mazurka

Mazurka in C minor, Op. 30 No. 1

Frédéric Chopin · Level 6, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

One mazurka in a hard-bargained publishing deal. Mazurka in C minor, Op. 30 No. 1 is a mazurka by Frédéric Chopin from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 6, an estimate.

On this page
  • mazurka
  • Romantic
  • dancing

Also known as F. Chopin - Mazurka in C Minor Op. 30: No. 1.

History

The four Op. 30 mazurkas formed part of a publishing negotiation documented in Heinrich Albert Probst’s letter of 9 July 1837. He reported paying 1000 francs for the mazurkas together with the Op. 29 impromptu and Op. 31 scherzo. Chopin had asked for 1200 francs for that package.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. Related gestures change their strength

    Two opening gestures are related, but one is quieter and the next stronger. Compare their shapes while hearing the changing intensity.

  2. Con anima introduces a new contour

    The contrasting contour leads into related continuation and a growing response. Listen for its new direction rather than only its increase in energy.

  3. The opening returns in writing

    Familiar opening material comes back with its later continuation. Hear the connection to the first phrases; this is not an added repeat command.

  4. A changed final phrase closes quietly

    The last phrase changes its response and settles quietly. Compare this ending with the earlier stronger gestures.

How to practise it

Connect the tied opening melody while keeping the supporting voices separate.

  1. Keep the opening tied note continuous.
  2. Hear the moving melody independently of the support.
  3. Preserve longer inner notes as the upper line changes.

How hard is it

Level 6, estimated

The upper line moves out of a tie into shorter notes while lower paired tones, rests and a separate entry establish independent layers. Phrase continuity and balance between those layers are the observed challenges.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Frédéric Chopin, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Collection
At the dance floor
Licence
CC0
Source
musescore.com

More by Frédéric Chopin

  1. Prelude in A major, Op. 28 No. 7Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
  2. Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9 No. 2Level 7, estimatedWith Maestro
  3. Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52Level 10, estimatedWith Maestro

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Connect the tied opening melody while keeping the supporting voices separate.

Practise it in PlayPiano