The second waltz, on the other hand, was composed much earlier in 1829, predating even the Grande valse brillante, op. 18. Yet, despite its early date, it already shows Chopin giving more prominence to poetic expression than the strict style of the dance. Interestingly, the B minor waltz is one of the pieces Chopin wished to be destroyed after his death. However, as such things often go, the composer’s wishes were ignored and the piece was published in 1855.
Another slow waltz, marked Moderato, the B minor waltz is in a simple ternary design. The outer sections have two themes that alternate with each other—the first, a wistful melody in the tonic key, and the second, a con anima subject in D major. While the first theme is varied on its reappearance, the second remains unchanged. Contrasting the elegiac mood of the outer sections is a central episode in B major with a dolce melody that borrows elements of the first theme. On its second appearance, the tune is embellished with added thirds. Most notably, however, its second half, without warning slips back into the minor mode, and poignantly sets the stage for the return of the first theme. Joseph DuBose
Classical Music | Piano Music
Frédéric Chopin
Waltz op. 69, no. 2 Play
Recorded on 12/31/1969, uploaded on 05/24/2015
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
Waltz in B minor
The second waltz, on the other hand, was composed much earlier in 1829, predating even the Grande valse brillante, op. 18. Yet, despite its early date, it already shows Chopin giving more prominence to poetic expression than the strict style of the dance. Interestingly, the B minor waltz is one of the pieces Chopin wished to be destroyed after his death. However, as such things often go, the composer’s wishes were ignored and the piece was published in 1855.
Another slow waltz, marked Moderato, the B minor waltz is in a simple ternary design. The outer sections have two themes that alternate with each other—the first, a wistful melody in the tonic key, and the second, a con anima subject in D major. While the first theme is varied on its reappearance, the second remains unchanged. Contrasting the elegiac mood of the outer sections is a central episode in B major with a dolce melody that borrows elements of the first theme. On its second appearance, the tune is embellished with added thirds. Most notably, however, its second half, without warning slips back into the minor mode, and poignantly sets the stage for the return of the first theme. Joseph DuBose
Recorded in 1950
courtesy of YouTube
More music by Frédéric Chopin
Ballade N° 3
Mazurka Op. 33 No. 1 in g-sharp minor
Waltz Op 34 N° 2
Mazurka Op 67 N° 4
Nocturne in D-flat Major, Op. 27, No. 2
Prelude in F major, Op. 28, No. 23, Moderato
Barcarolle in F-sharp Major, Op. 60
Mazurka Op 63 N° 2
Fantasy, Op. 49
Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp Minor, Op. 66
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