Oginski Polonaises for Guitar Duo: Free Sheet Music Transcribed by Artiom Galuza

Michał Kleofas Ogiński (1765–1833) was a Polish-Lithuanian diplomat, statesman and composer whose polonaises are among the best-loved Polish piano music of their era. Following his Chopin songs for guitar, Artiom Galuza now brings three of Ogiński's polonaises to two guitars, and the sheet music is available as a free download on TeacherNet.

The edition includes Polonaise No. 1, Polonaise No. 6 "Les adieux," and Polonaise No. 7. The numbering follows Ogiński's early set of twelve polonaises; the later Litolff edition numbers the same pieces 1, 5 and 6. Galuza has also written solo guitar versions of all three, but those are freer in character. Writing for two guitars allowed him to stay much closer to Ogiński's original piano textures.

Polonaise No. 1 "Polonaise of Death"

This polonaise comes with a remarkable story. In his Letters about Music, Ogiński recalled that a false rumor had spread in Germany that he had taken his own life. In Dresden, a young woman who admired the piece was shocked to meet its supposedly deceased composer in person. Ogiński wrote that he was known there as the author of the "Polonaise of Death," so the nickname comes from the composer's own account rather than modern legend. Galuza sets the piece in A major, a third above the original F major, with a gentle Trio marked dolce ed amoroso.

Polonaise No. 6 "Les adieux"

Marked Andante patetico, this is the most expressive of the three. Ogiński gave it the title Les adieux ("Farewells") but never explained what the farewell referred to. It should not be confused with his famous A-minor polonaise known as "Farewell to the Fatherland." Galuza moves the piece from C minor to A minor, and its bright Trio in the major key offers a beautiful contrast.

Polonaise No. 7

Galuza chose this polonaise for its chordal texture and sharp, incisive rhythm, which at moments reminded him of Spanish music. Those qualities sit naturally on the guitar. Set in D major, it features a playful Trio marked scherzando and makes a lively, dance-like closer for any duo program.

Free Ogiński Sheet Music for Guitar Duo

The edition includes an introduction to the polonaises and the history of their titles, along with full fingerings, barre indications and dynamics throughout. Each piece also has a QR code linking to a recording by pianist Iwo Załuski, a direct descendant of the composer who has spent many years researching and performing his family's music, offering a valuable reference for the original phrasing and rhythmic character. For guitar duos looking for Polish repertoire beyond Chopin, this free classical guitar sheet music is a rewarding discovery.