Can someone explain the rhythm of a Mazurka?
While perusing some Chopin and Liszt sheets, I tried to play a Mazurka or two. But, I simply don't understand how the rhythm works. It feels awkward and unbalanced when I try and I just don't *get it*, you know?
Would someone kindly breakdown how a Mazurka makes sense rhythmically?
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2 Answers By Expert Tutors
This is not the kind of question that can be answered online, because it's about the physicality of the dance that the classical Mazurka is based on. My best advice: try to find some video of the dance.
Stanley W. answered • 04/06/19
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The Mazurka is a lively polish dance music with accents on the 2nd and 3rd beats. I suggest listening to a lot of this style of music and you will start to see how performances often let the rhythm relax a little in some areas.
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Kathryn S.
I don't feel confident answering the question but I will say, go look at some easier mazurkas, because Chopin and Liszt aren't exactly the place to go for music that "makes sense." I'd recommend looking at mazurkas for children learning piano, that's usually the simplest a form can get.07/08/19