Annotation:Mazurka (Form)

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MAZURKA. See the Wikipedia article for the history of this dance form [1] that originated in Poland, and popularized in the classical compositions of Frédéric Chopin in the 1830's.
Caoimhin Mac Aoidh [on Irtrad-L] says of Irish Mazurkas: "Mazurkas are dances of Polish origin which appear to have been spread via continental armies. They are in 3/4 time, and are played slower than waltzes, generally without the emphasis on the downbeat of each measure, rather with evenly accented beats. There are not many mazurkas played in the entire nation repertoire - only about 15 at most. They are almost entirely restricted to Donegal. Recently it was pointed out by Michael Robinson on the list that the (Frank) Roche collection does contain the odd "Redowa" (effectively another name for what is recognized as a mazurka in Ireland. This collection largely draws on the Munster repertoire. If you look at these they are straight versions of the Donegal mazurkas (the Kilcar Mazurka etc.)" The year 1858 is generally given for the introduction of the dance to fashionable society circles in the British Isles. See Stevens (Massif Central vol's 1 and 2) for several untitled mazurkas from central France, and Kennedy (Fiddler's Tune-Book: Slip Jigs and Waltzes), 1999; No's 149a-d, p. 38, for four untitled mazurkas.

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