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Romantic · waltz

Waltz in D-flat major, Op. 64 No. 1 (‘Minute Waltz’)

Frédéric Chopin · Level 7, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A waltz dedicated to Delphine Potocka. Waltz in D-flat major, Op. 64 No. 1 (‘Minute Waltz’) is a waltz by Frédéric Chopin from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.

On this page
  • waltz
  • Romantic
  • dancing
  • playful
  • left hand leaps
  • ornaments
  • voicing

Also known as Minute Waltz, Op. 64 No. 1.

History

The Society catalogue dates this D-flat-major waltz to 1847 and records its dedication to Countess Delphine Potocka. The Op. 64 set appeared in French and German issues in 1847, followed by an English issue in 1848. Those collection print dates are not automatically the dates of separately numbered waltz editions.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. A solo opening

    The upper part starts the circling figure alone. The lower part rests for four full bars.

  2. The waltz enters

    The lower part joins with a bass note followed by two chords. Keep that dance pulse distinct from the upper running figure.

  3. A longer melodic shape

    Dotted upper notes interrupt the continuous eighth-note motion. Notice the ornaments and the descending response.

  4. The figure returns

    The circling upper pattern returns over the lower waltz accompaniment. The source adds crescendos toward the end of this group.

  5. A quick turn

    Short triplets lead into the upper running figure. Keep the little turns clear without disturbing the lower dance pulse.

  6. The texture changes

    The lower part holds longer bass notes while inner chords appear beneath the upper running line. Listen for those separate layers.

How to practise it

Keep a poised dance pulse beneath the circling line, rather than racing its nickname.

  1. Find a comfortable, even opening motion before increasing speed.
  2. Keep the bass and two chords supportive when the accompaniment enters.
  3. Give dotted melodic notes room while keeping their small ornaments in context.

How hard is it

Level 7, estimated

The proposed upper-intermediate target concerns a complete waltz with dependable coordination and poised motion, not a race to satisfy its Minute nickname.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Frédéric Chopin, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Collection
At the dance floor
Licence
Public Domain
Source
mutopiaproject.org

More by Frédéric Chopin

  1. Prelude in A major, Op. 28 No. 7Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
  2. Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9 No. 2Level 7, estimatedWith Maestro
  3. Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52Level 10, estimatedWith Maestro

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Keep a poised dance pulse beneath the circling line, rather than racing its nickname.

Practise it in PlayPiano