The most representative dances of the great Polish folk tradition are mainly five: Mazurka, Krakowiak, Kujawiak, Oberek, and Polonaise. Except for the Krakowiak, these dances are all in triple meter, each with different characteristics. In this composition, Polish Sketches (Schizzi Polacchi), the composer chose to arrange and orchestrate three songs, which represent some of those typical aspects of Polish folk music. The first movement is a Mazurek (Mazurka), perhaps the most known and representative national dance of this state, which originated in the Masovian region. This dance is in triple meter, and its structure is based on repeated eight-measure melodies. The tempo is slower and more rhythmic than the waltz and is characterized by strong accents on the second or third beat of the measure. The second movement is Kujawiak, a dance from the region of the same name found in central Poland. Also in ternary meter and with a rather slow pace, this is undoubtedly the most romantic of the Polish folk dances. Its melancholic spirit gives the melody a unique grace and beauty. The third and last movement, Krakowiak, is a dance in binary meter, fast and syncopated, typical of the Kraków region. As opposed to the previous two dances, it features a strong and decisively driving rhythmic character.

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