The last of Chopin’s traditionally numbered waltz, the Waltz in E minor is believed to be an early effort of Chopin in the genre, and was likely composed around 1830. Marked Vivace and following an introduction of swirling arpeggios, the principal theme is sprightly and airy, flittering about the upper register of the piano. It alternates twice with a chromatically descending passage that further lends it an impish demeanor. The central episode, at first, presents a warm, dolce E major tune. Though twice repeated, each of its further statements is preceded by a brusque, fortissimo passage in C-sharp minor which sharply contrasts with the melody’s inherent lyricism. The reprise of the opening section is greatly shortened from its original presentation. Only a single statement of the principal is given before Chopin diverts into a lively and puckish coda. Joseph DuBose
Classical Music | Piano Music
Frédéric Chopin
Waltz in E minor, op. posth. Play
Recorded on 05/24/2015, uploaded on 05/24/2015
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
The last of Chopin’s traditionally numbered waltz, the Waltz in E minor is believed to be an early effort of Chopin in the genre, and was likely composed around 1830. Marked Vivace and following an introduction of swirling arpeggios, the principal theme is sprightly and airy, flittering about the upper register of the piano. It alternates twice with a chromatically descending passage that further lends it an impish demeanor. The central episode, at first, presents a warm, dolce E major tune. Though twice repeated, each of its further statements is preceded by a brusque, fortissimo passage in C-sharp minor which sharply contrasts with the melody’s inherent lyricism. The reprise of the opening section is greatly shortened from its original presentation. Only a single statement of the principal is given before Chopin diverts into a lively and puckish coda. Joseph DuBose
recorded in 1963
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
Classical Music for the Internet Era™