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Waltz in A minor (Chopin)

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Waltz No. 19
by Frédéric Chopin
KeyA minor
CatalogueBrown index: 150
Chopin National Edition: 63
Krystyna Kobylańska: IVb/11
Chomiński: 2/11
StyleRomantic music
Waltz
FormRondo
Composed1847–49
DedicationCharlotte de Rothschild
MovementsOne

Frédéric Chopin's Waltz No. 19 in A minor, B. 150, WN 63, KK IVb/11, P. 2/11, is a waltz for solo piano. The waltz was written sometime between 1847 and 1849,[1] but was not published until 1860, after the composer's death, by Jacques Maho. At this time, it was attributed to Charlotte de Rothschild and was published as No. 3 of "Four pieces for piano". This collection also included Chopin's Nocturne in C minor, B. 108.[2] It was not until 1955, 95 years after its initial publishing, that it was correctly attributed to Chopin.[3]

Structure

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This waltz is structured as a single movement in rondo form marked allegretto.[2] It is one of Chopin's shortest and technically easiest waltzes.

Analysis

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The piece shows great sadness, while enclosing some episodes that hint 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 lively, punctuated by a brisk ascending arpeggio, 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.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Numbering and Chronology of the Works Published After Chopin's Death (Chopin National Edition) (PDF).
  2. ^ a b Waltz in A minor, B. 150: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project. Accessed April 22, 2018.
  3. ^ a b Cummings, Robert. Waltz for piano in A minor, KK IVb/11, CT. 224 (B. 150) at AllMusic. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
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