Mazurkas, Op. 24 (Chopin)
The Op. 24 mazurkas by Frédéric Chopin were published in 1836, when the composer was 26 years old.
Mazurka in G minor, Op. 24 No. 1
The first mazurka of the Op. 24 set is in G minor with a tempo marking of Lento. The piece soon modulates to the relative major key (B-flat major) which soon shifts to a closely related key, E-flat major.[1]
Mazurka in C major, Op. 24 No. 2
The second mazurka of the set is in C major with a tempo marking of Allegro non troppo, opening with a quiet alternation of C and G major sotto voce chords.[2] The trio is in D-flat major. The trio is closed by using repeated notes, generally open fifths.[3] The piece is also notable for its vague yet distinctly diatonic harmony, as the opening 56 bars of the piece do not feature a single accidental.[4]
Mazurka in A-flat major, Op. 24 No. 3
The third mazurka of the set is in A-flat major, with a tempo marking of Moderato non Troppo.
Mazurka in B-flat minor, Op. 24 No. 4
The fourth mazurka of the set is in B-flat minor, ending on the dominant note (F) alone.
References
- Op. 24 No. 1 at Allmusic
- see the incipit from Op.24 No.2 @ NIFC
- Op. 24 No. 2 at Allmusic
- Piston, Walter (1982). Harmony (Revised ed.). London: Gollancz. p. 461. ISBN 0575025387.