Chopin Polonaise Op. 26 no. 2 - your opinion?

[handz]

Hello

I was listening to Chopins polonaises a lot lately (as I like them a lot ) and I would like to dive in to some, not the easiest early ones and of course not into the Heroic and those top of the line.

I discovered a "hidden gem" inside of the 2nd polonaise from Op. 26 set - it seems to be one of the less popular and I can tell why as it is bit repetitive and long, but I really love the second theme.
Looking at the notes - excuse me if I am wrong, but this looks fairly easy, much easier than 1st in the set or Op. 40  no. 2, slow tempo, not any crazy runs, ornaments, just chords that looks quite playable. Is there some hidden trap inside or why it is not discussed more - I searched forums and not anyone seems to be interested into this one  

[chopinlover01]

I love this one. But it's harder than it looks.
Also, there are runs just after the first statement of the main theme, albeit just an e flat minor natural scale.
It's a beautiful piece, but it can be tricky. However, it may be the stretch needed to really take your pianism to the next level; what other Chopin have you played? I wouldn't recommend this as a starting Chopin piece; if you haven't played any Chopin have a listen to the entire set of mazurkas. All of them are wonderful, and typically 2-5 minutes.

[handz]

Thanks for the input.
I gave it a try and it is really not so easy but still not seems to be as hard as some others, will give it a try. Im really a beginner and I know it is not beginners piece but I like to challenge myself. Sadly I do not know why, but I do not like Chopins mazurkas, Really, they never worked for me, maybe it is the rhytm but more likely lack of catchy strong melodies which are totally luck in them.
But I love waltzes and polonaises

[chopinlover01]

IMO The military polonaise is much easier.
If you haven't played any of the polonaises, don't do this one. Maybe do the G minor posthumous.
Also, plenty of mazurkas have great melodies. Check out Op. 17/2 in E minor.

[pencilart3]

I like 26/1 better.

[handz]

IMO The military polonaise is much easier.
If you haven't played any of the polonaises, don't do this one. Maybe do the G minor posthumous.
Also, plenty of mazurkas have great melodies. Check out Op. 17/2 in E minor.

Actually I already work on military - it is really quite "Easy" to learn - I mean notes and fingerings etc, really comfy to play, but to play it well it is not easy.

[visitor]

you should also seek to explore (and maybe learn at same time/alongside a Chopin one) the Mikuli polonaises, they are super rad, and i'm not way keen on the polonaise in general but one of these would likely be my next polonaise after the Scriabin one (look at that one too!).
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[chopinfanz]

This is an easier polonaise. It isn't that hard, but to play it with polish style and emotions, it is a hard piece.

This is an amazing performance-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy9BOgXWXyo

This is a plain and dull performance-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD11MoN1Fjk

A Mazurka would be a better choice. They help you understand Chopin's impact on his homeland without much technique. Try the Op.7 no.2,op.17 no.4, op.24 nos.1 or 2, op.67 no.3, and many others.

[briansaddleback]

First thought was military polonaise when I saw 'polonaise' . I wholly agree with others, it is an easy piece to learn/memorize, but very difficult to play straight through confidently and cleanly in a performance ! You have to have a certain stamina and ability to play cleanly still through lack of stamina. It is a tour de force piece.