Chopin Mazurka in A Minor, Op. 68, No. 2 performed by Marjan Kiepura

Marjan Kiepura plays this early composition of Chopin, published posthumously, it is one of his first in the mazurka genre composed in 1827 at age 17. It has unusual depth and inventiveness for a relatively simply constructed piano work. The quiet mood evokes the soulfulness of a "kuyawiak" dance or slower styled mazurka. Chopin would return numerous times to the "kuyawiak" in his mazurkas.

[@4musikable]

The difference in listening to this piece, that I must have heard at least fifty time, is the elegant and mature feeling that you bring to it. It brought a new enjoyment to my ear.

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you so much! I love this mazurka and never get tired of practicing it. I heard Leonard Bernstein play this mazurka on a TV documentary in 1982, and ran to the piano to learn it. It's truly a masterpiece. Thank you again! Marjan Kiepura

[@stschubs]

I love your touch! amazing. One of my favourite recordings to show students . You made the dance dance!

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you so much, I am very happy you approve and your comment made me very happy. Best wishes, Marjan Kiepura

[@marthaoaklander9723]

Thank you both for posting this recording and for your comments before playing it. Your beautiful playing is a delight to my piano loving spirit and heart.

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you Martha. I am very happy you liked this video clip. Best wishes, Marjan Kiepura

[@vincentneale2620]

Chopin would never have belived how popular his music is still today - He was indeed a one off and I am a very big admirer of his music (he is my favourite )

[@sarakhosh6695]

I love the way you delivered this piece. You made the piece sound so elegant and mysterious. Well done.

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you so much. It makes me very happy to know that you enjoyed my performance of this wonderful Mazurka. - Marjan Kiepura

[@stephenrhyner5624]

You have motivated me to play this piece. It is really beautiful.

[@PatriaProductions]

t’s a great piece. Do learn it. I was motivated to learn this in 1982 when I heard a concert commemorating the centenary of conductor Leopold Stokowski who was of Polish descent. The pianist in 1982 playing it was Leonard Bernstein - who’s centenary we are honoring this year. So another great reason to learn it! Best wishes, Marjan Kiepura

[@hueylai3370]

This graceful piece has made it into the ABRSM's Piano Exam Pieces for Grade 7 2023-2024 and is such an interesting piece! I look forward to playing this myself!

[@jonsneck1335]

this is art

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you for your comment. Much appreciated. Marjan Kiepura

[@amystruble4730]

Thank you for the videos! I love Chopin very, very much and you sincerely inspire me to work daily on playing his music. Please make more Chopin videos! I especially love your introductions. Your love of Chopin is deeply felt. I admire your many talents!

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you Amy. Yes, I will be making more videos in the future. I am honored by your remarks and hope that you continue your own journey into Chopin’s great music. Marjan Kiepura

[@SeEyMoReBuTtS]

PatriaProductions its been 5 years

[@hannastaszak1684]

Mazurki Fryderyka Chopina to kwintesencja polskości. Wspaniałe wykonanie, bardzo dziękuję.

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you . Very happy you like it. Marjan Kiepura

[@The7thCobweb]

Wow, that´s a brave rubato :) almost risky, I would say... I never play it like this, but it´s a great interpretation!

[@pianosbloxworld4460]

It’s not that risky, I approach the rubato more or less the same way. Then again, I don’t really care for metronomic performance…

[@myrnyocom3344]

JUST LOVE ALL THE MAZURKAS -- & I ENJOY LISTENING TO -- Marjan Kiepura -- PLAY THEM - YEP!

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you so much. Very happy you like it. Best regards, Marjan Kiepura

[@user-rh8fq9ec4s]

Beautiful playing! Amazing interpretation

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you. Very happy you like my performance. This Mazurka is an amazing work, one of my very favorites. It shows so much depth of a still very young Chopin who composed this while still in his teenage years. Best wishes, Marjan Kiepura

[@Jessyp303]

I adore your interpretation of Chopin. Beautiful.

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you so very much. I am honored by your comment. Marjan Kiepur

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank You.

[@malcolmnicoll1165]

One of the most beautiful pieces written for piano. Great performance. Thanks for posting.

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you so much. Very happy you liked it. Marjan Kiepura

[@ace2253]

Niechaj wszyscy słuchają jak brzmi piękna Polska!

[@PatriaProductions]

Dziękuję! Thank you for your words. Made me very happy! Marjan Kiepura

[@oliviao8523]

Wow that room is beautiful

[@AshinAsia]

Beautifully played (to my taste - is all subjective of course!). I love the history lessons at the beginning too on Marjan's sets.

[@PatriaProductions]

In reply to Huey Lai: Thanks for getting in touch. I love this piece and so do audiences. It’s considered soulful and mystical. If this helps any: The main technical challenge here is getting the trills even and steady. That will also depend on the quality of the piano. If a piano has a heavy or uneven action, I try not to struggle with the trills. Let it happen as it may. Or slow the trills down to get them clear. Of course practicing the trills will help to smooth things out. Although “Lento” is shown, we know from letters of Chopin’s students that Lento was intended as a general indication of being slower. But not necessarily “slow”. It is, after all, a mazurka and should have a sense of movement and flow. Very best wishes for your Grade 7 exam! Marjan Kiepura

[@dominikagasiewska]

Thank you so much!! Of course I AM from Poland!! You made my day.

[@PatriaProductions]

Thanks for your comment. Very happy you liked it. Marjan Kiepura

[@Jose-wi8ih]

Very beautiful interpretation. 20/20 Magnificently played

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you so much. I am honored. Marjan Kiepura

[@dngrbunny]

Talented son of gifted parents. Jan Kiepura and Marta Eggerth! Bravo!

[@knipping77]

beautiful----beautiful----beautiful----

[@catherinevocals]

Beautiful performance...I am singing the vocal arrangement very soon (L'oiselet) and love your interpretation. Thank you.

[@JosephPotomski]

Love Chopin! #chopin #mazurka #mazurek #kiepura

[@Katiuszkasanda]

Le pianiste est le fils de Jan Kiepura et Marta Eggerth .

[@MichelleShem]

the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you - Marjan Kiepura

[@Peyton_Urich]

Beautiful!!!

[@PatriaProductions]

+Peyton Urich Thank you so much. Happy you like it. Marjan Kiepura

[@smikkelbeer6352]

You played this piece so well! Bravo.

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you so much. I’m glad you like it. Marjan Kiepura

[@Smortnt]

Your touch is so unique and full of feelings! The first performance of this mazurka that i saw was Michelangeli's, I love both performances so much. you are such a great pianist! P.S. and also I think we both know that classical music isnt about playing fast, that's what I like in you, even though you have practised that piece hundreds of times you still manage to play it with a magical touch. (I also love your performance of op.7 no.1 and many others) :)

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you so much for your comment. I am very touched. Yes, I have practiced this piece many times over many years and never get tired of it. This is so special. To think this was one of Chopin's earliest compositions and yet has such incredible depth. Capturing the style is the challenge here. Thank you again! Marjan Kiepura

[@Smortnt]

@@PatriaProductions yes, as I remember he composed this at the age of 17. Thanks for the reply Marjan!

[@whoneedsguyswhenyouhavecat7681]

Wow. Played amazingly.

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you, very happy you liked it. Marjan Kiepura

[@uesrname187]

fantastic

[@lsky4446]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS MAZURKA! OP.68 #2 in A minor gives me LIFE! The trills literally run thru my body and All I feel is choreography/movement!🙌

[@PatriaProductions]

Thanks, I love this mazurkas as well - one of my favorite pieces. And yes, you may indeed feel movement. In fact, there is a venue in Poland where audience members draw pictures or get up a move around or even dance to Chopin’s music. Chopin did not intend for his works to be “danced” to as such. But I believe you are referring being in the moment, and moving according to how you feel. Concert formats today are changing and offer a variety of musical experiences. So that is certainly okay to do. Best wishes, Marjan Kiepura

[@lsky4446]

First off, I feel completely Honored that you would take the time to respond to my post! You are an incredible pianist and your interpretation of this particular mazurka is plain sublime. I listen to it over and over. I use to even write in my journal during the early hours in NYC to this Mazurka. During my early years of training in dance I learned there is a ballet step called "mazurka". So in my mind I put the dance to Chopin's piano movement. It works surprisingly well considering-as you say-Chopin didn't intend for his works to be danced to per se. For me, as a professional performing artist/dancer, I can actually dance to just about anything. I am gratefulfor your gift of classical music! Continued Blessings!🙏🙌

[@PatriaProductions]

Indeed, there is a “mazurka” step widely used in Poland and elsewhere in that region. And as you know, Chopin’s music was put to the ballet Les Sylphides with music arrangement by Alexander Glazunov. Very happy you like this mazurka. Wishing you continued success with your dancing and artistic projects and deeply grateful for your lovely comments. Marjan

[@steamriceroll]

Thanks.

[@Tokiohotelmemories]

I love this music it fits to my dancing style for example this is great for ballet!

[@bettepiano5124]

Fabulous

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you so much. Very happy you like it. Marjan Kiepura

[@sydneytrager9052]

Very very nice indeed, very beautiful

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank You very much. Marjan Kiepura.

[@sydneytrager9052]

Thanks he is good

[@FrankieplayzWasTaken]

I like this song and your good piano skills

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you, happy you liked it. Marjan Kiepura

[@mifayliu4585]

Wow! I love the way you play this piece!🤩

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you! Very glad you like it. Best wishes, Marjan Kiepura

[@mateusz_0]

You have a lot of skill

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you. This is a wonderful Mazurka and I always enjoy playing it. I appreciate your comment. Marjan Kiepura

[@d-jengo4369]

Le tempo du est à mon hum la avis un peu trop rapide pour un lento .Je suis entrain de la jouer et je pense que au niveau de la pédale quelques remaniements ont été effectués bien que Chopin soit très très attaché à ça façon de mettre la pédale ,une fois à une soirée Liszt et Chopin se sont réunis et Chopin a joué un morceau (une nocturne) puis à sa deuxième représentation il demanda d'éteindre les lumières sous prétexte de profiter pleinement de l'œuvre à la fin de celle ci il demanda la différence entre la deuxième et la première ?un spectateur leva la main et dit :"la pédale n'était pas place de la même façon. Chopin l'applaudi et Liszt sortit des coulisses. Très belle interprétation !

[@Youn.03]

D-Jengo c’est pas que lento c’est lento noire =116 donc c’est rapide

[@emichgarden]

Bravo!

[@PatriaProductions]

Thanks very much. I do appreciate it. Marjan Kiepura

[@satenhovakimyan8020]

Thanks>>I play it

[@saravegh4640]

WOW it's AMAZING :O

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you, very happy you like it. Marjan Kiepura

[@cobypang3467]

How long did it take u to perfect this piece like this (I need to know to see how long it should take)?

[@PatriaProductions]

Learning the notes itself is not that long depending on how much time you spend on it. Can be few days to a few weeks. But, I have been working on the interpretation for many years always trying to improve and find the right balance of the rhythm and style. That is what takes a long time. Keep working on it and best wishes. Marjan Kiepura

[@Wuozlinga]

Steinway & Sons

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you very much, Marjan Kiepura

[@annagawlinska376]

Piękny.

[@PatriaProductions]

Dziękuję Ci bardzo, Marjan Kiepura

[@thejackluo]

I love Chopin as much as you, nice job.

[@PatriaProductions]

Many thanks, Marjan Kiepura

[@vonkluge9352]

Wspaniałe wykonanie. Pan Marjan bardzo wybitny jak jego tata :) Pozdrawiam.

[@PatriaProductions]

Dziękuję bardzo! Marjan

[@xlilistarchanx4437]

vonKluge Marian *

[@michaelblanton4915]

Should mazurkas be played rubato like that? I'm new to the form and was wondering. I know Chopin is very impressionistic (even though he wasn't in the era of impressionism), but I was under the impression that a mazurka was a kind of dance. Regardless, very beautifully played!

[@PatriaProductions]

Michael, you are correct. A mazurka is indeed a dance. But Chopin raised this existing dance form to a new level of sophistication and elan. And given this is quintessential “Romantic” music, a certain rubato component is acceptable. Yet, there is a framework to maintaining the basic dance rhythm which should be observed. Of course, it’s a matter of taste. I am glad you like my performance. I try to bring out the “Polishness” of these essays as they were so close to Chopin’s soul, especially being separated from his homeland. Thank you for your comment, Marjan Kiepura

[@liongrrrrrl]

agreed----agreed----agreed----

[@tchantchoutchabo5312]

comin out of the book "Civilisation et souveraineté" (net, Paris 2012)

[@artyhwang3541]

Brilliant!

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you for your comment. Much appreciated. Marjan Kiepura

[@user-cu5jr6dt2h]

Блестяще

[@PatriaProductions]

+Великий Пианист Thank you! I appreciate it very much. Marjan Kiepura

[@giancarlomacannuco4059]

🎩

[@jeanperrier4927]

Where is it ?

[@PatriaProductions]

The venue was Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts

[@jaceksmorzewski3057]

3.05 rubato chyba trochę za bogate. Ogólnie kolo gra trochę jak z komputera, szkoda. To piękny mazurek

[@EvgeniiTsapenko]

00:36

[@user-dj1ry6tr8h]

Лайк если тоже слушаешь потому что училка задала.....

[@aldoringo439]

Anyone else just come across these random pieces while sight reading from a piano pieces bpok

[@user-wy9lh2rz7s]

0:37

[@daisytang7794]

What grade is this?

[@PatriaProductions]

Hi Daisy, thanks for your question. One source I have seen states Grade 6. However, I would be cautious with attaching “grades” to Chopin’s works. This mazurka could be considered technically “easier”. Yet, every mazurka has its own difficulties. In this piece the difficulty is achieving even and articulated trills, which appear throughout the piece. That is a matter of practicing but will also depend on the quality of the piano. If the action is uneven or very heavy, then getting the trills out can be a challenge. However, the biggest difficulty here is from the artistic side. How to make artistic sense of this truly great mazurka. To that, one cannot attach a “grade”. This mazurka is an enduring masterpiece composed by a very young Chopin, a mere teenager of 17 years old. He already had a sophisticated sense and a strong connection to the mazurka genre, which we completely transformed. That’s the challenge. To convey that message. Happy to answer any other questions you may have. Best wishes, Marjan Kiepura

[@daisytang7794]

@@PatriaProductions thank you !

[@kate9576]

I found out about mazurkas in an episode of the Addams family and am so glad I looked it up on youtube. I am just starting to take piano and want to learn this piece. Thank you.

[@PatriaProductions]

Thanks Catherine. It's a great piece and you will love working on it. I appreciate your comment. Best wishes, Marjan

[@messiilessi]

Тут есть кто-нибудь русский?? 🤔

[@MrInterestingthings]

It would enhance the music if players talked a little about the music . People remember more if player says it : nice to have in the program too but it colors the mental hearing of the music - not that music should only be biography or auteur but it made the music more unique . Nothing is as gorgeous as op. 17 no.4 . How did a young man go so far .He added 5ths on top of 5ths do we see this anywhere before Scriabin 5th Sonata . Not Field , Berlioz ,Liszt too does unheard of things but much later . How did Chopin have so much confidence : in his day the smarmy types still held " that is not done . They didnt want freedom but nicety following the rules !

[@PatriaProductions]

Thank you for observations. It is appreciated. Marjan Kiepura

[@stephenrhyner5624]

This is perfect for a church service.

[@spaceslav8954]

I am playing this on my silver flute.

[@PatriaProductions]

Yes indeed. This piece can be played by flute. In fact, one of the best renditions I have heard of this Mazurka was by flute arrangement. Best wishes for you playing this on the flute. Marjan Kiepura

[@hugegoogle]

My teacher would kill me if I played with such rubatos and shortened dotted eighth notes.