Chopin’s final waltz (here) shuns both the frivolity and melancholy of its companions to close the set with a feeling of blithe amusement. It also only concerns itself with two distinct themes, and embodies a straightforward, simple ternary design. The outer sections present a carefree tune that habitually pauses on the third beat. Towards its conclusion, its simple amusement turns to excitement from which the Trio develops as a logical result. In the final measures of the opening section, a heroic motif consisting of the interval of a perfect fourth is heard, which then becomes a recurring impetus for the Trio’s bass theme. Against the theme, Chopin introduces a second idea in the soprano, and transforms the entire section into a quaint and charming dialogue. The reprise of the first waltz is altered from its first appearance, and rushes towards its conclusion in a vibrant coda. Joseph DuBose
Classical Music | Piano Music
Frédéric Chopin
Waltz op. 64, no. 3 Play
Recorded on 01/01/1979, uploaded on 05/24/2015
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
Waltz in A-flat major
Chopin’s final waltz (here) shuns both the frivolity and melancholy of its companions to close the set with a feeling of blithe amusement. It also only concerns itself with two distinct themes, and embodies a straightforward, simple ternary design. The outer sections present a carefree tune that habitually pauses on the third beat. Towards its conclusion, its simple amusement turns to excitement from which the Trio develops as a logical result. In the final measures of the opening section, a heroic motif consisting of the interval of a perfect fourth is heard, which then becomes a recurring impetus for the Trio’s bass theme. Against the theme, Chopin introduces a second idea in the soprano, and transforms the entire section into a quaint and charming dialogue. The reprise of the first waltz is altered from its first appearance, and rushes towards its conclusion in a vibrant coda. Joseph DuBose
Recorded in 1979
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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