Mazurka

Opus 68, No. 3

Composed By: Frederic Chopin
Arranged By: Kathleen Wissinger
Octaves: 3-5 w/opt 3 oct. Handchimes
Level: 2+
Season: N/A

This Chopin mazurka springs to life on handbells! The bold "A" section embraces traditional mazurka conventions with a repetitive, rhythmic chordal theme, while the contrasting "B" section uses a drone motif under a sprightly melodic line based on a folk tune. Optional chimes can enhance the drone. Valuable in a school setting as a pedagogical piece teaching dotted eighth-sixteenth rhythms, contrasting dynamics and form, and romantic/modernist music literature, Mazurka is also a fun-to-ring piece which offers an interesting, light moment in concert, festival, and worship settings.