Tone Portrait of Poland - Five National Dances of Poland

An energizing and fun quartet, this is a commission In commemoration of the centenary and history of Poland, this piano quintet is a concert rendition with virtuosic piano interludes of the five National Dances, which includes the National Anthem, a Mazurka. All are in 3/4 time except the Krakowiak in 2/4. The melodies are shared among the instruments, giving fun parts to each one, including a dramatic four-part harmony in the Anthem that illustrates the beauty and intimacy of a string quartet. The piano utilizes the full range of the keyboard, and at one point simultaneously plays above and beneath the strings. The piece concludes with a flourish of motifs of the dances, ending with a dramatic Oberek. Mp3 and video of live performance.