“Polonaise” is the French word of “Polish,” and refers to a Polish dance. Beethoven previously composed two polonaises: the 4th movement of the Opus 8 Serenade (Day 89) and the Finale of the Opus 56 Triple Concerto (Day 184).
Opus 89 is Beethoven’s only standalone Polonaise.
Beethoven composed the Opus 89 Polonaise in late 1814 when many heads of state were in town for the Congress of Vienna:
“In a conversation with Beethoven one day, [Dr. Andreas] Bertolini suggested to him that, as polonaises were then so much in vogue, he should compose one and dedicate it to the Empress of Russia; for, perhaps, thereby he might also obtain some acknowledgement from Emperor Alexander for the dedication to him of the Violin Sonatas, Op. 30, — for none had ever been made. As usual, Beethoven at first scorned dictation, but at length thought better of the proposal, sat down to the pianoforte, improvised various themes and requested Bertolini to choose one, which he did. When it was completed, they waited upon Prince Wolkonski, to seek through him permission to make the proposed dedication, which was granted. At the appointed time Beethoven was admitted to an audience with the Empress and presented the Polonaise, for which he received a present of 50 ducats. On this occasion he was asked, if he had ever received anything from the Czar? As he had not, a hundred ducats was added for the Sonatas.” — Thayer / Forbes, p. 603
#Beethoven250 Day 277
Polonaise in C Major for Piano (Opus 89), 1814
London-born pianist Misuzu Tanaka explores this charming work in a concert in Bonn.