Chopin, F :: La Gaiete: Introduction et Polonaise brillante

Frederic Chopin's Op. 3, originally written for cello and piano, was transcribed in 1840 at the behest of the composer and publisher for flute and piano.

'The other work Chopin wrote for cello and piano, the Introduction and Polonaise brillante in C Major, dates to 1829 30, at the beginning of his career. This work shows a more youthful and energetic side of Chopin. He wrote the Polonaise on a visit to the estate of Antoni Radziwill, a Prussian nobleman and musician, and added the introduction on the following year.

Chopin intriguingly described the piece in a letter, writing 'I wrote an alla polacca with cello . . . Nothing to it but dazzle, for the salon, for the ladies.' Clearly, he considered the piece somewhat lighter than others, but its congenial style does not take away from the brilliance of its flourishes and the expressive opportunities it creates for performers.

The Introduction begins with a series of flashy piano lines, exchanged with seductively romantic cello melodies. Chopin capitalizes on the strengths of each instrument, with the cello primarily sticking to smooth, legato melodies, and the piano playing an accompanimental role and adding virtuosic flourishes. Some editions of the piece distribute the virtuosity more evenly, however, giving the cello its fair share of the fun. The polonaise is in the form of a rondo. Compared to some of Chopin s piano polonaises, this is a vigorous and energetic one, fitting for its intended performance arena of the leisurely salon. '

- Ethan Allred; Chamber Music Northwest