Frédéric Chopin
Polonaise 6 (Heroic Polonaise)
in A-flat Major, Op. 53
Often considered the supreme example of how Chopin's works evoke the resilience of the Polish spirit, this celebrated warhorse of the Romantic piano repertoire has earned the nickname "Heroic Polonaise".
Year: 1843
Period: Early Romantic
Piano score: Scanned score 
Audiovisual Study Tool
A vision of Polish glory
The first theme of this most epic of Chopin's Polonaises, following a brief introduction that sets the majestic tone of the piece, feels very aristocratic and triumphant. It is later contrasted with a fanfare-like theme in E major, introduced by fortissimo arpeggiated chords. This second theme is first heard softly, as if from afar, then twice grows into mighty climaxes, the second of which leads back to the noble first theme. The second theme is accompanied by a bass ostinato of descending octaves in the left hand. These continuous left hand octaves, which easily stiffen the arm if not played with a proper technique, are perhaps what most pianists consider the most technically difficult feature of this piece. However, it might be helpful to remember the fact that, according to Chopin’s friend Charles Hallé, the composer always “felt very unhappy when he heard the grande polonaise in A flat major played fast, as it spoilt the whole grandeur and majesty of that noble inspiration."Background
This polonaise—a Polish court dance in three-four time— was probably begun in 1842 and published the following year. It's often considered as the supreme example of Chopin evoking the resilience of the Polish spirit. During the German invasion of Poland at the outset of World War II, Polish Radio broadcast this piece daily as a patriotic protest.Forum posts about this piece:
Romantic Large Scale Work by thenerdicpianist06
Hi everybody, So I have an important solo recital with plenty of time to prepare in advance and my teacher told me that I should collect som...
Am I ready for Heroic Polonaise Opus.53? by horowitz_admirer
Before I start I just want to say I'm incredibly sorry for asking this but please don't get angry at me please. I'm a beginner ...
Wang, Moravec, Watts, Ax, Zimerman, Perahia and Polonaise op. 53 by pianophile
Are they afraid of this piece? It seems oddly similar to Mozart in that the most illustrious pros (or at least popularly renowned) seem more...
What level is Chopin’s polonaise no, 6 (heroic) by romanticperiod
I have a quick question, can anyone tell what level Chopin’s polonaise no. 6 in A-Flat major “heroic” op. 53 is? I’ve searched for i...
Polonaise obstacle!? by billybraga
Hi, im currently studying Chopins Polonaise op. 53, and im kinda stucked in the E major octaves. The problem is that even with 50% speed pra...
Chopin Polonaise in Aflat Cadence by billybraga
Hi, im very curious about certain patterns of some compositions, one of them is this strange cadence of Chopin's Heroic Polonaise that ...
Could you comment on my recording of Heroic Polonaise? by tonytwo
Hi there, I'm a current freshman at a high school. I've been playing this piece for about 3 months without the advice from teacher...
Chopin A-flat major (Heroic) Polonaise Op. 53 and the Doppler effect by georgey
Perhaps too exciting of a topic: ;D I’ve always thought that the magnificent E major section of this magnificent polonaise with the famous...
Can someone explain the mechanics of "coming off the seat" by mrcreosote
Please try to ignore the dress, but @ 0:22 Lola Astanova changes her footing then comes off the seat. The end of the piece is quite st...
Chopin Ballade or Polonaise? by erry
Hi all, just wondering which you think is harder, Ballade No. 1 or the Polonaise op. 53 "Heroic" If you have played either of the...
What To Choose? (Ballade No. 1 vs Heroic Polonaise) by patronus
So I've recently finished Chopin's Ballades 2 & 3 and personally I think I really like them. Judging by my own e...
Program suggestions! by earthizm
Hi! I'm a graduating senior in college, and my collegiate piano society hosts a 'formal' (which really is just a small, not-...
Ornament in A flat OP 53 Polonaise, Chopin, measure 33 by jeslevine
The trill in measure 33 has a small note, which is a repetition of the the principal note, before the trill. Most editions I have seen...
58 years old and stuck - any suggestions? by rustleofspring
BACKGROUND I have been playing the piano since I was 13. I was always drawn to the flashier end of the repertoire, light classics and popula...
Seeking Chopin Recommendations by severius
Hello. I don't play piano - nor anything. Just up-front info. After all of this time, somehow Chopin's piano music's escap...
Polonaise in A flat Major ''Heroique'' is it hard? by chopinlover23
I've been fascinated by this Polonaise by Chopin, I listened to it on one of my CDs and instantly loved it. So I asked myself why dont ...
To program a war horse or not: Chopin Opus 53 by gvans
I'm primarily a chamber music pianist, but I've been working on a solo concert program. I'll play it at several venues this f...
any Suggestion to improve polonaise by kadukkadik
Hi guys Im amatuer pianist. I love heroic polonaise very much it's my most favorite Chopin work. [url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCyp5Ip2...
Member's recordings of piece:
(VIDEO) Chopin: Heroic Polonaise by aaronpetit
Here is my take on this beautiful work. Enjoy! www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-QHVj0bh80 Aaron Petit www.aaronpetitpiano.com...
Heroic Polonaise Op.53 by tonytwo
Hey guys here's the video link of my playing: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQNG49mxIME...
Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53 "Heroic Polonaise" by tonytwo
Greetings. I'm currently a rising Sophmore at a high school. After practicing for 3 months, I made the recording of one of the Chopinis...
[Video] Chopin - Polonaise Op. 53 in A-flat major by lafo
I have been working on this for the last couple of weeks.. any suggestions are welcome :) youtu.be/HX9WMXdXon4...
Chopin - Polonaise in A-flat, op.53 "Heroic" by andhow04
this is from a concert a couple of weeks ago. here is the whole program: Medtner - two fairy tales, op.20 Quentin Kim - Sonata in g# ...
Polonaise in A-flat Major Op.53 - Chopin, new version by adapa
I rerecorded this, my youtube version was sloppy and i got good advice from you guys so here we go again! Enjoy and tell me how it sounds :)...
Frederich Chopin - Polonaise op. 53 (video) by ponken
This is my performance of Chopin's polonaise. The audio quality is not so good but thank you if you listen/watch! What's you...
Polonaise A flat major op.53 and Träumerei by adapa
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mx_rO6QHqY www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sGGFre67MQ Comments and advice are really appreciated! ...
Polonaise "Heroic" - Chopin by faj
Still polishing this piece, but would like to hear any comments in this stage. Thanks. ...
VIDEO: Performance - Chopin's Polonaise Op. 53 by drumstix
www.lordcharlie.com/kerry_ryso_yac.wmv YAY! I performed last night in a local Young Artist's Competition, sponsored by the Roano...
VIDEO - Chopin - Heroic polonaise op 53 by jamie_liszt
Hey I seen somebody recorded a video of this polonaise and I decided i will re-learn this today and record it, all went well, took me 4 hou...
Chopin Polonaise Op. 53 by drumstix
Hello, all...I recorded this yesterday and would greatly appreciate any feedback you have to offer! ...it seems that the forum only ...
My records:Chopin and Schubert by simaaili
I'm a amateur,glad to hear suggestions:-[ Chopin Polonaise op.53 music.cpiano.com/bs/30-1.mp3 Schubert piano sonata D.664 Mv.1 music....
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Polonaise Op. 53 in A-flat Major, a composition by the early romantic composer Frédéric Chopin who was born in 1810 and died in 1849. The piano score of this piece was first published in 1843 and is part of Chopin's Polonaises.