Waltz in A minor (Chopin)
Encyclopedia
Waltz in A minor, B. 150, KK IVb/11, P. 2/11, is a waltz
for solo piano
composed by Frédéric Chopin
. The waltz was written sometime between 1843 and 1848, but was not published until 1955, over 100 years later.
The piece is set out in an ABACA form, with a short Coda. The A section is the main melancholic A minor theme, which is based around a simple Waltz accompaniment in the left hand, with a solemn quaver melody played in the right. The B section is based around E major, which is highly decorated with mordents, and large sweeping arpeggio's. There's then a brief return to the A theme, which unexpectedly modulates to B major. The C theme abruptly modulates to A major (the parallel major of A minor). This theme is very similar to the B section, the left hand continues with the Waltz accompaniment whilst the right hand plays a highly decorated melody. There's another brief return to the A theme, before a short Coda; which concludes the piece with an authentic cadence in A minor.
Waltz (music)
A waltz, or valse from the French term, is a piece of music in triple meter, most often written in time signature but sometimes in 3/8 or 3/2...
for solo piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
composed by Frédéric Chopin
Frédéric Chopin
Frédéric François Chopin was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist. He is considered one of the great masters of Romantic music and has been called "the poet of the piano"....
. The waltz was written sometime between 1843 and 1848, but was not published until 1955, over 100 years later.
Analysis
The mood of the piece is unclear, showing great sadness at times but also hinting at happiness and hope. The first theme of the piece uses a simple but effective melody, conveying a sad portrait, with decorative ornaments used throughout. The second theme is more interesting and lively, although it still has a certain sadness. About halfway through the piece, there is a modulation into A major, featuring a happy and joyful melody. The piece concludes with the main theme, followed by a short coda.The piece is set out in an ABACA form, with a short Coda. The A section is the main melancholic A minor theme, which is based around a simple Waltz accompaniment in the left hand, with a solemn quaver melody played in the right. The B section is based around E major, which is highly decorated with mordents, and large sweeping arpeggio's. There's then a brief return to the A theme, which unexpectedly modulates to B major. The C theme abruptly modulates to A major (the parallel major of A minor). This theme is very similar to the B section, the left hand continues with the Waltz accompaniment whilst the right hand plays a highly decorated melody. There's another brief return to the A theme, before a short Coda; which concludes the piece with an authentic cadence in A minor.