PlayPiano
The short answer
Waltz No. 15, Op. 39 is a waltz by Johannes Brahms from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 5, an estimate.
- waltz
- Romantic
- gentle
History
Brahms first wrote his Op. 39 waltzes for piano four hands, then made both regular and easier two-hand versions. No. 15 became one of the best-known: the regular solo version is in A-flat major, while Brahms's easier solo version is in A major.
Sources
What to listen for
A chordal song rides bass and chord replies
Dotted upper contours sit above bass notes and lower chords. Hear the longer song through the regular supporting responses.
Fuller harmony changes the song’s colour
The contrasting passage expands the upper chords and changes the lower support. Compare its fuller sound with the opening phrase.
The broader progression returns in writing
The fuller chordal progression is recalled later. Listen for its familiar colour within the renewed continuation.
Triplets decorate a familiar closing contour
Upper triplets enrich the last opening-related recall before a short chord and rests. Hear the decoration lead into its final release.
How to practise it
Sing through the paired upper notes above a light bass-and-chord pattern.
- Practise the first upper gesture twice with one gentle direction.
- Practise bass then two quiet chord replies before adding the upper line.
How hard is it
A singing waltz melody within chordal writing needs balance and graceful pulse; the estimate must be checked against the acquired version.
About this piece
- Collection
- At the dance floor
- Licence
- Public Domain
- Source
- mutopiaproject.org
More by Johannes Brahms
- Waltz, Op. 39 No. 10, solo piano editionLevel 4, estimatedWith Maestro
- Intermezzo in A major, Op. 118 No. 2Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro
- Rhapsody in B minor, Op. 79 No. 1Level 9, estimatedWith Maestro
