Classical Music | Piano Music

Frédéric Chopin

Valse Op. 70, No. 1 in G-flat Major  Play

Konstantyn Travinsky Piano

Recorded on 11/21/2006, uploaded on 01/12/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Frédéric Chopin left many unpublished compositions at the time of his death in 1849 all of which he wished to be destroyed. We are fortunate, therefore, that these wishes were not heeded but instead the works were published. Some of these pieces, which Chopin perhaps did not feel were worthy of posterity, have joined the ranks of his most well-known compositions. Of the eighteen waltzes known for certain to be by Chopin, only eight were actually published during his lifetime. Five of the remaining ten waltzes were collected into various opus numbers and published during the decade following Chopin’s death. Such is the origin of the three waltzes of opus 70, published in 1855 in Berlin.

As far as their dates of composition, the opus 70 waltzes nearly span the gamut of Chopin’s career—the earliest, No. 3 in D-flat major, dates from 1829; No. 1 in G-flat major from 1833; and, finally, No. 2 in F minor from 1841. Stylistically, however, the set is rather homogenous despite the years that separate the composition of each waltz. For this reason, perhaps, as well as their apparent loose key relationship, these three waltzes were chosen to be published together.

The first waltz of the set, in G-flat major, begins straightway, shunning any introductory measures, with the first theme. Marked brillante, the theme remains affixed in the upper range of the piano and is ever so subtly influenced by the Polish mazurka with rising tenths into the third beat of the measure creating a natural accent. In contrast with the ebullient opening section, the central episode presents a cantabile melody built from graceful, descending stepwise motion. Interestingly, Chopin remains in the key of the tonic, instead of modulating to a different key, for the duration of the middle section. Without transition, a truncated reprise of the opening follows the lyrical episode and brings the waltz to a close.     Joseph DuBose

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Valse Op. 70, No. 1 in G-flat Major      Frédéric Chopin

Chopin's compositions are almost exclusively for solo piano. His waltzes are smaller scale works which reflect a vast range of expressive possibilities. The first waltz in c-sharp minor is known as a "farewell" waltz which sets an intimate mood. The waltz in G-flat Major is a radiant piece with an intimate middle section. Published after his death, the waltz in e minor begins with broken chord passages creating an atmosphere beyond a simple dance. The contrasting middle section brings us to a dream. The main theme of this waltz contains an intensity which resolves in the dramatic coda.    Konstantyn Travinskyy