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The short answer
An A-minor waltz without a certain final manuscript. Waltz in A minor, B. 150 is a waltz by Frédéric Chopin from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 4, an estimate.
- waltz
- Romantic
- Key of A minor
- dancing
Also known as Chopin, Waltz in A minor, KK IVb No. 11 / B. 150; Frédéric Chopin - Waltz in A minor B. 150.
History
Two autograph witnesses survive for this A-minor waltz. Henle's editor describes one as a sketch and the other as more finished, but not provably final. Its history is a reminder that a more developed manuscript is not automatically a composer's final version.
Sources
What to listen for
Related waltz phrases answer higher
The opening waltz phrases receive higher written responses. Hear the relationship between their contours while noticing the change of register.
A decorated contrast reaches a repeat
Decorated material makes a contrast before the repeat close. Hear its phrase direction without confusing the printed route with a new melody.
Higher pitch groups make another response
Higher contrasting pitch groups develop the later continuation. Compare their colour and placement with the first decorated contrast.
A changed response descends to the end
The closing response changes and leads through descending figures. Hear the larger descent carry the waltz into its last arrival.
How to practise it
Lead the pickup into a clear melody above a light waltz accompaniment.
- Connect the pickup to its destination.
- Keep the bass and chord pattern supportive.
- Hear the longer melodic arrival through continuing accompaniment.
How hard is it
Waltz accompaniment, ornaments and a singing melody develop coordination and light dance phrasing.
About this piece
- Collection
- At the dance floor
- Licence
- CC0
- Source
- musescore.com
More by Frédéric Chopin
- Prelude in A major, Op. 28 No. 7Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
- Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9 No. 2Level 7, estimatedWith Maestro
- Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52Level 10, estimatedWith Maestro
