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Romantic · waltz

Walzer h-moll

Frédéric Chopin · Level 6, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

An early waltz with a later publication trail. Walzer h-moll is a waltz by Frédéric Chopin from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 6, an estimate.

On this page
  • waltz
  • Romantic
  • dancing
  • melancholic
  • block chords

Also known as Op. 69 No. 2 (posthumous); Waltz in B Minor, op. posth. 69, no. 2.

History

The Society dates the B-minor waltz to 1829. Its later publication history starts with a two-waltz issue in Cracow in 1852, pairing it with Op. 70 No. 2. English issues followed in 1853 and 1854; French and German Op. 69 issues are listed in 1855.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. A familiar idea, a new ending

    The opening figure returns with a changed descent and settles on B. Hear the answer as related to the first phrase, not an unrelated new gesture.

  2. Let the phrase gather energy

    A crescendo accompanies the rising eighth-note line, followed by a detached D with a reinforced accent. Shape the rise toward that arrival rather than stressing every note equally.

  3. A linked descent

    A held accented note leads into a descending line with a diminuendo. Let the melody relax as it moves downward while keeping the waltz pulse underneath.

  4. The opening returns softly

    A soft return recalls the first two phrases. Listen for the difference between the moving eighth notes and the longer notes where the line settles.

How to practise it

Let the upper tie span the boundary over a light waltz pattern.

  1. Practise the pickup and its tie continuation as one sustained gesture.
  2. Practise the first two bass-and-chord shapes slowly.
  3. Connect the stated opening gestures at a comfortable tempo, keeping their distinct releases.

How hard is it

Level 6, estimated

The intermediate proposal values a stable dance pulse, singing balance and complete section transitions rather than giving every beat or phrase identical weight.

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

Let the upper tie span the boundary over a light waltz pattern.

Practise it in PlayPiano