[Masterpieces of the Waltz] A comprehensive introduction to classic works written for the piano!
The waltz: a steady dance in triple meter.
Among classical works, there are countless waltzes written for solo piano, solo violin, and orchestra.
In this article, we’re highlighting waltzes composed specifically for solo piano!
Focusing on pieces written from the 19th century onward—the so-called “century of the waltz”—we’ll introduce a wide range, from standard repertoire to hidden gems.
Even within the framework of 3/4 time, the character and atmosphere vary widely.
Please enjoy listening as you savor the unique charm of each waltz.
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Masterpieces of the Waltz: A Comprehensive Introduction to Classical Works Written for Piano (21–30)
Noble and Sentimental Waltzes, No. 4, Assez animé (fairly lively)Maurice Ravel
Maurice Ravel’s suite Valses nobles et sentimentales, written in homage to Schubert, contains many captivating pieces that blend traditional waltz idioms with a modern sensibility, and this particular number stands out for its verve and wit.
At the premiere in May 1911, the composer’s name was withheld, and there’s a charming anecdote that the audience tried to guess the author.
The orchestral version was staged as the ballet Adélaïde, ou le langage des fleurs, depicting the romantic intrigues of 1820s Paris.
If you imagine the give-and-take of love conveyed through the language of flowers, you’ll sense that “this sonority is more than merely elegant.” The key is to play the dense chords with lightness through the right hand’s virtuosic motion.
It’s a work that anyone seeking expression beyond classical boundaries should experience.
Noble and Sentimental Waltzes, Waltz No. 5, Presque lent in E majorMaurice Ravel
It is a particularly introspective piece from the suite Valses nobles et sentimentales.
There is an anecdote that at its premiere in May 1911—an anonymous concert of new works—many critics nevertheless recognized the composer as Maurice Ravel.
Marked “avec une émotion intime” (“with intimate feeling”), the music is suffused with a very private atmosphere, like a whispered inner dialogue.
Its melody, ebbing and flowing like waves, feels like a sigh, like a secret longing, quietly drawing close to the listener’s heart.
It is perfect for those who wish to deepen their delicate touch and expressive nuance.
Cherish its sentimental, beautiful world, and play with rounded, gentle tones, carefully and tenderly.
Violet, Op. 99 No. 1Jean-Louis Gobbaerts
A simple and elegant piano piece in F major.
Its light melody rings out charmingly, like violets heralding the arrival of spring.
The flowing right-hand line and the gentle left-hand broken-chord accompaniment are beautifully balanced.
While it features the expressive richness characteristic of Romantic music, it is not overly demanding technically, which is part of its appeal.
It’s an ideal piece for piano learners and excellent for cultivating musical expressiveness.
A heartwarming work that evokes the violet’s language of flowers—sincerity and small happiness.
Stilienne – Burgmüller 25 Études, Op. 100 No. 14Johann Burgmüller
This is a triple-meter piece that conjures an image of people in traditional costumes dancing lightly in the sunlit valleys of the Alps.
Published in Paris in 1851, it is modeled on the traditional dance music of Austria’s Styria region.
Despite its technical elements—such as the interplay of right-hand staccato with left-hand accompaniment, and phrases involving leaps—the piece captivates with a familiar, beautiful melody.
Performed at a recital, it is a wonderful work that allows you to share the joy of dance with the audience.
It is recommended for those who wish to cultivate rich expressiveness that vividly evokes scenes in the mind.
Waltz No. 6 in D-flat major “Minute Waltz”Frederic Chopin
Written for solo piano, this piece is characterized by its lively and brilliant melody.
The rapid right-hand scales combine exquisitely with the left hand’s steady waltz rhythm, as if depicting a playful puppy scampering about.
Composed between 1846 and 1848, it was dedicated to Countess Delfina Potocka.
Although the performance time is relatively short—about one and a half to two minutes—the piece demands advanced technique and expressive nuance.
It’s recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for those learning piano performance.
It has also been used as background music in films and anime, making it beloved by a wide audience.