Wieniawski: Polonaise Brillante In D Major, Op. 4/Masters

Category: Violin and Piano ** Title: Polonaise Brillante in D Major, Op. 4 ** Composer: Wieniawski, Henryk ** Edited by: Leopold Lichtenberg ** Publisher: Masters Music Publications ** Difficulty: ASTA grade 5.

Like the mazurka, the other dance of Polish origin that Wieniawski turned to for inspiration, the polonaise is in triple meter. Unlike the sometimes-frenzied mazurka, however, a polonaise is usually a bit more stately. Wieniawski wrote two pieces in the polonaise form; this 'Polonaise Brillante in D Major, Op. 4', is probably the more famous of the two. It exhibits plenty of vigor (and plenty of flashy violin "frills"), in addition to some lovely melodic material, making it a beloved showpiece, and a favorite among violinists. Note: this piece should not be confused with the Polonaise Brillante in A Major, Op. 21.