[Classics] Famous waltzes: recommended popular pieces

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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German-style waltzRobert Schumann

Schumann / Carnival: 16. German Waltz / Performed by: Rintaro Omi

At the time Schumann composed this piece, he had feelings for a woman named Ernestine.

He came up with the idea of mapping the place name “Asch” in Bohemia—Ernestine’s birthplace—to musical notes and composing based on that motif.

Carnaval is a puzzle-like work built around this motif.

It consists of 20 pieces, each with its own title, performed in succession.

The sixteenth piece, this one, is an elegant yet dynamic waltz that begins with the “Asch” motif.

In the middle section, Paganini makes an appearance, and, true to the name, the piece demands virtuosic technique.

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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?

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 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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