Polonaise

What it means

The polonaise is a Polish dance in triple time whose name comes from French and simply means “Polish.” It is a solemn processional dance in which the couples move through the hall in a long row.

Characteristic are a measured tempo, a proud, dignified character, and a typical accompanying rhythm: an eighth note and two sixteenths on the first beat, followed by even eighths. Phrases often end on the second or third beat instead of the first, which gives the dance a centre of gravity of its own.

The polonaise is to be distinguished from the two other well-known Polish dances: the mazurka, likewise in triple time but with accents on the second or third beat and faster, and the krakowiak in duple time.

In the notation

The polonaise stands in triple time. The characteristic rhythm appears in the accompaniment, often remaining constant over many bars. The form is usually in three parts with a contrasting middle section.

Musical use

The polonaise was a court and social dance since the seventeenth century and often opened balls. In the eighteenth century it appears in suites, often stylized and no longer intended for dancing. In the nineteenth century it becomes, in piano music, an expression of Polish character and takes on large, virtuoso forms there. As an opening dance at balls it remains customary to this day.

The polonaise was the opening dance of Polish court festivities and became known throughout Europe in the eighteenth century. Hallmarks are a rhythm of an eighth note, two sixteenths, and quarters, and a measured, proud movement. Chopin wrote famous polonaises for piano. It stands in triple time and is played with a solemn, striding character. It was also popular with Weber and Liszt.

Performance practice

Take the tempo measured and dignified; a polonaise strides, it does not hurry. Play the characteristic rhythm precisely. Observe the phrase endings on the lighter beats. And shape the proud character with a full tone and definite rhythm.