PlayPiano
The short answer
Valse oubliée No. 1, S. 215/1 is a waltz by Franz Liszt from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.
- waltz
- Romantic
- Key of F-sharp major
- playful
Also known as Première Valse oubliée.
History
Liszt composed the first Valse oubliée in summer 1881 and announced the ‘Forgotten Waltz’ title to his publisher. Its dance rhythm recalls the salon waltzes of his youth, but unexpected harmonic turns give the music a reflective, sometimes ironic quality. He later wrote three more Forgotten Waltzes as separate pieces.
Sources
What to listen for
The opening rhythm sets the character
Notice the opening’s playful rhythmic character before the main theme takes shape.
The main theme comes under pressure
Hear how the main theme’s initially charming character becomes less settled.
The second theme moves high
High octave writing changes the second theme’s sound. Compare it with the main melody.
The ending leaves a question
Listen for an ending that feels less conclusive than the earlier dancing themes.
How to practise it
Make the short chord gestures clear without adding weight.
- Practise the attacks and intervening rest without pedal first.
- Practise each chord position silently before connecting the short gestures.
- Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.
How hard is it
Elusive dance gestures, ornaments and abrupt contrasts need light coordination and refined rhythmic timing.
About this piece
- Collection
- At the dance floor
- Licence
- CC0
- Source
- musescore.com
More by Franz Liszt
- Consolation No. 1, S. 172Level 4, estimatedWith Maestro
- Liebesträume No. 3, S. 541Level 9, estimatedWith Maestro
- Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2Level 10, estimatedWith Maestro
