Wieniawski: Polonaise Brillante, Op. 21/Schirmer

Category: Violin and Piano ** Title: Polonaise Brillante, Op. 21 ** Composer: Wieniawski, Henryk ** Edited by: Nathan Milstein ** Publisher: G. Schirmer ** 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. This example, Wieniawskis Polonaise Brillante in A Major, Op. 21, still exhibits plenty of vigor, and plenty of flashy violin "frills," making it a beloved showpiece. Note: this piece should not be confused with the Polonaise Brillante in D Major, Op. 4.