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For a "robe à la polonaise", see Polonaise (clothing) .


The polonaise ( of Polish origin, in 3/4 time. Its name is French for "Polish." The Notation ''alla polacca'' on a score indicates that the piece should be played with the rhythm and character of a polonaise (e.g., the Rondo in Beethoven's Triple Concerto Op. 56 has this instruction).

Before Frédéric Chopin , the polonaise had a rhythm quite close to that of the Swedish semiquaver or sixteenth-note Polska , and the two dances have a common origin. From Chopin onward, the polonaise developed a very solemn style, and has in that version become very popular in the Classical Music of several countries.

One fine example of a polonaise is the well-known 'Heroic' Polonaise In A Flat Major, Op.53 . Chopin composed this polonaise as the dream of a powerful, victorious and prosperous Poland.

Polonaise is a wide-spread dance on , which is ca. 100 days before exams.


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