PlayPiano
The short answer
From a draft to a printer’s model. Waltz in C-sharp minor, Op. 64 No. 2 is a waltz by Frédéric Chopin from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.
- waltz
- Romantic
- melancholic
History
Henle places this waltz’s composition between 1846 and 1847, with publication in 1847. Its source comments distinguish a Paris autograph resembling a draft from another autograph used to engrave the French first edition. These witnesses show different stages in the waltz’s journey toward print.
Sources
What to listen for
A singing idea begins
Follow the opening singing melody before the continuously turning dance section arrives.
The turning section keeps returning
Listen for the recurring dance figure between the longer singing ideas.
A different singing idea contrasts
Compare the second singing idea with the opening melody, not merely with the dance figure.
The opening idea leads back to dance
Recognise the opening singing idea again before the final turning section.
How to practise it
Sustain the upper line over a lightly released waltz support.
- Practise the upper tie through the boundary before adding the second upper note.
- Practise the lower three beats softly with clean releases.
- Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.
How hard is it
Contrasting waltz sections require supple accompaniment, melodic clarity and controlled quick-note transitions.
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
