Wieniawski: Two Mazurkas, Op. 19, Complete/Masters

Category: Violin and Piano ** Title: Two Mazurkas, Op. 19 - Complete ** Composer: Wieniawski, Henryk ** Publisher: Masters Music Publications ** Difficulty: ASTA grade 4.

Though Wieniawski did not rely on folk music the same way as composers like Bartok or Dvorak, he did occasionally turn to the music of his native Poland for inspiration. So it is with his 'Two Mazurkas, Op. 19': a mazurka (or mazurek) is a type of Polish folk dance in triple meter. Unlike other dance forms in triple meter (like the waltz, for instance), a mazurka is characterized by the placement of an accent, not on the first beat, but on the second or third. The tempo of a mazurka is usually lively and the character spirited, and the Dudziarz specifically (or "The Bagpipe Player") is a rustic dance, complete with bagpipe-like drone. These two mazurkas are good choices for advancing players, as they are not quite as difficult as some of Wieniawski's other showpieces, but still quite impressive!