Waltz in A minor, B. 150, KK IVb/11, P. 2/11, is a waltz for solo piano composed by Frédéric Chopin. The waltz was written sometime between 1843 and 1848, but was not published until 1955, over 100 years later.[1]
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The mood of the piece is unclear, showing great sadness at times but also hinting at happiness and hope. The first theme of the piece uses a simple but effective melody, conveying a sad portrait, with decorative ornaments used throughout. The second theme is more interesting and lively, although it still has a certain sadness. About halfway through the piece, there is a modulation into A major, featuring a happy and joyful melody. The piece concludes with the main theme, followed by a short coda.[1][2]
The piece is set out in an ABACA form, with a short Coda. The A section is the main melancholic A minor theme, which is based around a simple Waltz accompaniment in the left hand, with a solemn quaver melody played in the right. The B section is based around E major, which is highly decorated with mordents, and large sweeping arpeggio's. There's then a brief return to the A theme, which unexpectedly modulates to B major. The C theme abruptly modulates to A major (the parallel major of A minor). This theme is very similar to the B section, the left hand continues with the Waltz accompaniment whilst the right hand plays a highly decorated melody. There's another brief return to the A theme, before a short Coda; which concludes the piece with an authentic cadence in A minor.
| Book: Frédéric Chopin | |
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