Polonaise Militaire, Op. 40, No. 1

Chopin composed his two Op. 40 polonaises for piano in 1838. The first of these has acquired the title "Military" because of its bold nature, an insistent polonaise accompanying rhythm, virtually continual forte or louder dynamic and possibly the "bugle note" theme during the central, or trio, section. The key in this arrangement for full orchestra is the original A Major. Pianist Artur Rubinstein once remarked that the A Major Polonaise was a symbol of national glory, whilst its sister piece, the "C Minor" was a symbol of national tragedy. The "Military" Polonaise remains one of the composer's best known and loved pieces, gaining additional recognition at the outset of World War II when it was played every day on Polish National Radio in order to rally the Polish people. No simplifications have been made in this arrangement originally made for, and dedicated to, the Oxfordshire Schools Symphony Orchestra and its conductor, Caroline Hobbs-Smith.