Concertstücke in the form of a Polonaise Op.80

Edwin Henry Lemare (1865-1934)

The Concertstücke in the form of a Polonaise is pure secular music. It has an unusual Germanic title, which was probably applied by Lemare’s German publisher (Schott) in order to increase the sales potential in that country.

After the extrovert opening section the mood relaxes a little for a fugal exposition and some contrasting melodies before a return of the opening theme. The lyrical central section demonstrates the strings, flutes and other solo stops. This eventually builds up to fanfares on the Tuba before the recapitulation which leads into a coda full of excitement.