Fryderyk Chopin’s Mazurkas: Periodic Structure and Terminological Issues

Marek Podhajski

The author’s goal is to present his own proposed methodology for analyzing periodic structure, on the example of Fryderyk Chopin’s Piano Mazurkas. The methodology applied is a part of a broader theoretical and pedagogical framework and involves both basic music theory terminology and specific musical forms. The author addresses issues such as characteristics of the period, relationships between sentences in the period, classifications of periods, and types of periodic forms. He identifies and names different types of simple periods, first-degree higher-order periods, other periodic constructions, and principles of form building on the example of Chopin’s mazurkas.

Keywords: mazurkas, periodic structure, piano music

DOI: generating in process

Source(s), object(s) and method(s) of analysis
Source(s) of analysisScore
Musical workMazurkas (57)
Year of creation1825–1849
Composer's nameFryderyk Chopin
Target group / Study level
Level of Music Analysis knowledgeBeginner, Intermediate
Study cycleBachelor, Master

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