Waltzes for solo piano

[alzado]

I have been playing a number of waltzes lately, including several by Chopin.  My book of Chopin waltzes (ed. Paderewski, Warsaw, 1950) includes 17 of them.  I thought that was all of them, but I have found two more not included in the Paderewski edition -- both of these being fairly slight, posthumous efforts.  So as to how many waltzes Chopin wrote, we would have to say -- at least 19 and possibly more.

Having gotten tired of Chopin waltzes, I found a very nice little waltz for solo piano by Rachmaninoff.  It is one of several pieces in the little collection, his Opus 10.  Very nice, and -- surprisingly -- not hard.

I know Brahms has done some waltzes.  I have played a couple.  Rather brief, not terribly difficult, and most melodious.

I THINK I remember playing a waltz or two by Schumann. 

The waltz was a popular recital piece or encore piece in 19th Century Europe.  Some of Chopin's longest and most serious waltzes include the word "grand" in the title and are in the three-part sonata form, and these represent rather long and serious efforts.  I believe there are three of these.

Then some of Chopin's waltzes are just very pleasant and lighthearted, and are very enjoyable to play.  Every piece does not have to struggle with cosmic verities, you know.  Some are just fun!

One interesting aspect of Chopin's waltzes is the strange mixture of gaity and melancholy as he begins in a major key, then switches into the complimentary minor. 

With Chopin, I often have a feeling that he is "having his little joke"  -- choosing a rather slight and seemingly lighthearted medium, the waltz, but then doing sombre, brooding, or melancholy things to it.  Even rendering these pieces rather haunting.  As though he is saying, "you thought you were getting a cute little valentine of a piece, but . . .  I am adding a depth beyond your expectations, c'est na pas?"

[maxy]

and?

[kriskicksass]

If you think his waltzes are strangely serious, listen to his Scherzi. There is nothing joking or lighthearted about those pieces (except for the 4th, and even that isn't always totally lighthearted). My teacher has suggested that the seriousness of the Scherzi is the joke, but I'm still not sure.

[Tash]

i did a musicology presentation on the waltz back in yr12. taught my teacher a few things i did. it was great i was yapping on about how chopin changed from major to minor and the music did it just perfectly in time with what i was saying and everyone was like oh how lovely!

[contrapunctus]

There are ninteen valses in all which Chopin most definately wrote. There are four Grande Waltz Brillantes and one Grand Valse. Chopin's waltzes were not supposed to be an adjunct to the dance.