[Classics] Famous waltzes: recommended popular pieces

Waltz No. 9 in A-flat major, Op. 69 No. 1 “Farewell”Frederic Chopin

2008 Award Winner Commemorative - Erina Aoyama

A piece with an elegant melody cherished alongside a sweet love episode.

Chopin, who was living in Paris, dedicated it to Maria Wodzińska, whom he met in Dresden while stopping there on his way home from a trip; she was the only woman to whom he ever became engaged.

However, this love ultimately did not come to fruition, and because Wodzińska sent Chopin a letter of “parting,” the piece is also known as the “Farewell Waltz” or “Adieu.” Its charm lies in the melody built on chromatic descending motion and the mazurka-like rhythms that appear partway through.

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Gold and SilverFranz Lehár

Waltz “Gold and Silver” (Lehár)

An orchestral piece by the Hungarian composer Franz Lehár.

It was composed around the 1902 carnival season for a ball hosted by Pauline von Metternich, a noblewoman of Austria-Hungary, themed “Gold and Silver.” At this ball, the venue was illuminated in silver, golden stars sparkled on the ceiling, the walls were adorned with gold and silver decorations, and attendees are said to have worn costumes embellished in gold and silver.

Its elegant and resplendent melodies evoke the atmosphere of the balls of that era.

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Waltz Brillante, Op. 89 No. 4Johann Burgmüller

Burgmüller: Waltz Brillante, Op. 89 No. 4, composed by Burgmüller

This is a work by Johann Burgmüller, a German-born composer and pianist.

In Japan, Burgmüller is known for his beginner piano method book, 25 Etudes, but he also composed bright and dazzling waltzes like this piece.

The sparkling high notes in the right hand are scattered throughout, and as you listen, your body naturally starts to sway.

The performance difficulty is about the level of having completed the 25 Etudes, so if you can play the piano, why not try performing this piece, Waltz Brillante?

Waltz No. 14 in E minor, “Posthumous”Frederic Chopin

Chopin – Waltz E-minor, No. 14

A work by Frédéric Chopin, Poland’s representative composer also known as the “Poet of the Piano.” It features a rich variety of techniques and unifies the entire piece with accomplished musical writing.

The main section foregrounds a virtuosic character, creating a leaping, buoyant atmosphere.

Upon entering the middle section, the mood shifts dramatically to a sweet melody, characterized by long-breathed phrasing and figures that rise from the left hand’s low register.

Within its brilliance there lingers a certain lyricism—an impressive and captivating work.

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Viennese TemperJohann Strauss II

Waltz “Viennese Temper” composed by Johann Strauss II

It is a Viennese waltz composed by Johann Strauss II and counted among his “Top Ten Waltzes.” It is said to have been written to celebrate the marriage of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria’s daughter.

In recent years’ New Year’s Concerts, it was performed in 2002 under the baton of Seiji Ozawa.

Waltz from “The Merry Widow”Franz Lehár

Precious☆Merry Widow Waltz (Even If Lips Do Not Speak)

This is a piece from Franz Lehár’s The Merry Widow.

The Merry Widow is a three-act operetta that is also popular in Japan.

One of the secrets to its popularity is the excellence of the music used, and this waltz, too, has a melody that makes you want to hum along.

Waltz, Op. 65 No. 6Sergei Prokofiev

Prokofiev. Music for children Op.65. Piano. 6. Valse

The sixth piece from the collection of 12 miniatures, Music for Children.

Around 1935, when this piece was composed, the Soviet Communist Party demanded that artists produce works that were clear and accessible, while also encouraging the creation of “artistically excellent works” for children.

In an environment where works that deviated from these expectations were harshly criticized, Prokofiev assembled a set of small pieces with classical, easily graspable folk-like ideas, while peppering them with musical elements characteristic of his own style.

In this piece, over an accompaniment that beats out a cheerful waltz rhythm, a melody marked by leaping intervals unfolds as if whirling into dance.

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