24 Mowery ⦁ Chopin Polish Sympathies Unlike the mazurka, “the kujawiak is symmetrical in structure and accents,” and not as rhythmically complicated as the mazurka.30 The dance was also not as abrasive-sounding as a mazur could be. According to James Bakst, it was a faster dance in general, and it sometimes had a melancholy sound to it.31 However, Michael Klein refers to a kujawiak as “the slowest and most expressive melodically.”32 Even though the definitions can be debated, it appears that the kujawiak is generally more of a steady and sober dance. Because of the differences in rhythmic style, kujawiak tunes cannot be danced in the same style as one would dance a mazur; however, “mazurs with stable accents can be danced as waltzlike kujawiaks.”33 Unlike the German waltz, where the accent is always on the first beat, the accent can fall on any of the beats, “provided the rhythmical patterns are sustained.”34 In Chopin’s Fantasy on Polish Airs Op. 13, published in 1834, the fourth movement is called Kujawiak. This movement employs accents on beat two of each measure, which falls right in line with the style. In Chopin’s Mazurka in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 30, no. 4, the B section (see Example 2) also seems to be a kujawiak, and this is clearer to see than in any other section, “with its dotted rhythm on the first beat in the left hand of every measure,” which creates an emphasis on beat two just like the Fantasy. 35 The lyrical melody, relatively slow tempo and melancholy sound create a sense of solemnity and steadiness, characteristic of the kujawiak dance.36 The A section of this piece also has elements of the kujawiak with its minor mode, wistful tune, irregular accents and drone-like sound, but it has rolled chords which makes it sound more balladic and less like a mazurka.37 30 Bakst, “Polish National Influences,” 57. 31 Bakst, “Polish National Influences,” 56. 32 Michael Klein, “Chopin Dreams,” 238. 33 Bakst, “Polish National Influences,” 57. 34 Bakst, “Polish National Influences,” 57. 35 Klein, “Chopin Dreams,” 241. 36 Klein, “Chopin Dreams,” 241. 37 Klein, “Chopin Dreams,” 241.
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