Polonaises, Op. 26 (Chopin)

The Polonaise in C-sharp minor, Op. 26 No. 1 and the Polonaise in E-flat minor, Op. 26 No. 2 were composed by Frédéric Chopin in 1836. Both of them were dedicated to Josef Dessauer. These were his first published polonaises.

Op. 26 No. 1 in C-sharp minor
The Polonaise opens with a fiery Allegro appassionato in C-sharp minor, the primary theme preceded by descending octaves. The section climaxes with a series of virtuosic arpeggio figures which give way to a tender melody. This is then followed by a repetition of the theme. After this opening section, there is a new theme introduced in the enharmonic D-flat major. This new theme is then developed and followed by a new left hand melody, which increases the tension until a repeat of the meno mosso. The piece ends in abrupt quietness.

Op. 26 No. 2 in E-flat minor
The Polonaise opens ominously but soon builds to become more agitated and passionate. The middle of the piece is a contrast to the dark atmosphere of the piece. Following the return of the main theme, the piece closes with subtlety, like its opus companion.