Though Wieniawski did not rely on folk music the same way as composers like Bartok or Dvorak, he did occasionally turn to the music of his native Poland for inspiration. So it is with his mazurka Obertass, Op. 19, No. 1: a mazurka (or mazurek) is a Polish folk dance in triple meter, and an obertass (or obertas) is simply a more specific type of mazurka. Unlike other dance forms in triple meter (like the waltz, for instance), a mazurka is characterized by the placement of an accent, not on the first beat, but on the second or third. The tempo of a mazurka is usually lively and the character spirited. Obertass is a good choice for advancing players, as it is not quite as difficult as some of Wieniawski's other showpieces, but is still quite impressive!

This edition for violin and piano is edited by A. Pollitzer. Published by Carl Fischer.

Difficulty: ASTA grade 4

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