mazurek

Carpathians call the mazurek danced by the inhabitants of the plain but a dwarfed krakowiak.

Frederic Chopin as a Man and Musician Niecks, Frederick 1888

As modern dances lend themselves especially to the triumph of the women, because the costume of the men is so little favourable, it is noteworthy that the mazurek forms here an exception; for a young man, and especially a young Pole, remarkable by a certain amiable boldness, becomes soon the soul and hero of this dance.

Frederic Chopin as a Man and Musician Niecks, Frederick 1888

The proximity of the Germans, or rather the sojourn of the German troops, has caused the true character of the mazurek among the people to be lost; this dance hap become a kind of awkward waltz.

Frederic Chopin as a Man and Musician Niecks, Frederick 1888

The mazurek in its primitive form and as the common people dance is only a kind of krakowiak, only less lively and less sautillant.

Frederic Chopin as a Man and Musician Niecks, Frederick 1888

The mazurek, thus degenerated among the people, has been adopted by the upper classes who, in preserving the national allures, perfected it to the extent of rendering it, beyond doubt, one of the most graceful dances in Europe.

Frederic Chopin as a Man and Musician Niecks, Frederick 1888

Seeing in the mazurek the female dancer almost carried away in the arms and on the shoulders of her cavalier, abandoning herself entirely to his guidance, one thinks one sees two beings intoxicated with happiness and flying towards the celestial regions.

Frederic Chopin as a Man and Musician Niecks, Frederick 1888

A light and in some sort pastoral dress for the women, and the Polish military costume so advantageous for the men, add to the charm of the picture which the mazurek presents to the eye of the painter.

Frederic Chopin as a Man and Musician Niecks, Frederick 1888

The music of the mazurek is altogether national and original; through its gaiety breathes usually something of melancholy ” one might say that it is destined to direct the steps of lovers, whose passing sorrows are not without charm.

Frederic Chopin as a Man and Musician Niecks, Frederick 1888

The mazurek [or mazurka], whose name comes from Mazovia, one of our finest provinces, is the most characteristic dance-tune ” it is the model of all our new tunes.

Frederic Chopin as a Man and Musician Niecks, Frederick 1888