Mazurka

Article by Alex 9 May 2012

The mazurka is a triple meter folk dance which traces its roots back to early 19th century Poland. Although far removed from its humble beginnings the most famous examples of the style come from Poland’s Frederic Chopin.

Following on from Chopin there have been many examples of the mazurka appearing in classical music from the works of Tchaikovsky

to Dvorak

and Debussy amongst others.

However what really makes the mazurka interesting is how, like its close counterpart the waltz, it has continued to evolve and change as it has moved around the world.

Examples can be found in such varying places as Curaçao

Brazil, with the work of the legendary composer Heitor Villalobos

and even the Philippines.

Whilst the French Antilles seems to have taken the mazurka the furthest away from its origins and can only hint at where this 200 year old dance could possibly go next.