David Popper composed three polonaises. The first two bear the title Polonaise de Concert, which was later changed to Concert-Polonaise on subsequent printings by Hofmeister. The first polonaise, in D minor, Op. 14, is by far the most popular and remains one of Popper’s best-known works. The second Polonaise de Concert, in F major, Op. 28, is the most festive in character. Its brilliance and pomp recall the orchestral polonaises of Russian composers such as Tchaikovsky and Lyadov, complete with trumpet-like fanfares.

Popper’s Polonaise de Concert in F major was published in 1880 by Hofmeister (plate number 7824) and bears no dedication. The work is written in rondo form, with a shortened reprise of the A section at the end. The main theme is derived from a brief melodic fragment that appears near the conclusion of the first Polonaise, creating a subtle thematic link between the two works. The expansive B section (in D major) and C section (in B-flat major) provide lyrical and virtuosic contrast to the concise A sections. Although the accompaniment suggests orchestral textures, Popper never orchestrated this work, nor is there any known orchestration by others. (Update: new orchestration by Yuriy Leonovich, 2025)

(Excerpted from the preface to the Urtext edition published by Yuriy Leonovich)