[Classics] Famous waltzes: recommended popular pieces

Waltz No. 10 in B Minor, Op. 69, No. 2Frederic Chopin

Chopin – Waltz No. 10 in B minor, Op. 69 No. 2 – Ashkenazy – 1981

This is a work by Frédéric Chopin, the poet of the piano.

Because it is in a minor key, it lacks the brilliance of a major-key waltz, yet it features an extremely beautiful melody that evokes a certain wistfulness.

As with Chopin’s Waltz No.

9, the “Farewell Waltz,” it is said that its publication was withheld during his lifetime for being overly sentimental, and it was published after Chopin’s death by a friend.

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

HATSUMI

Report a problem

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.

Mary’s Golden Wedding AnniversaryJean Gabriel Marie

Jean Gabriel Marie : La Cinquantaine ( The Wedding Golden ) – Anton Nanut / Philharmonia Orchestra

A gavotte-like piece by the French composer Gabriel Marie.

The French title “Cinquantaine” means “50” and literally refers to a “golden wedding,” the 50th wedding anniversary traditionally celebrated with gifts of gold.

It begins with a dignified atmosphere and a touch of melancholy in the melody, then shifts in the middle section to a bright, powerfully celebratory mood.

Combining grandeur with a clear, radiant character, its beautiful melody has led to numerous arrangements for various ensembles.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

HATSUMI

Report a problem

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

HATSUMI

Report a problem

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?

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.