Waltz in A-flat major, Op. 42, is a lively waltz

Waltz

The waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in time, performed primarily in closed position.- History :There are several references to a sliding or gliding dance,- a waltz, from the 16th century including the representations of the printer H.S. Beheim...

 composed by Frédéric Chopin

Frédéric Chopin

Frédéric François Chopin was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist. He is considered one of the great masters of Romantic music and has been called "the poet of the piano"....

 in 1840.

Background

Though none of Chopin's works were actually intended to be danced to, this waltz does appear to be appropriate for use in the ballroom. It is often considered to be one of the finest and most perfect of Chopin's many waltzes.

Analysis

The piece begins with an eight-bar introductory trill

Trill (music)

The trill is a musical ornament consisting of a rapid alternation between two adjacent notes, usually a semitone or tone apart, which can be identified with the context of the trill....

 on the dominant, calling for the dance to begin. The opening melody of the work is light and in duple time, it is accompanied with a 3/4 left hand accompaniment. This waltz contains many virtuosic passages and a mesmerizing coda

Coda (music)

Coda is a term used in music in a number of different senses, primarily to designate a passage that brings a piece to an end. Technically, it is an expanded cadence...

, making it a favourite for every audience. It is often considered one of Chopin's most important waltzes but is also one of the most challenging to play.

External links

• [ Valse in A-flat major, Op. 42 at Allmusic]
• Waltz in A-flat major, Op. 42 performed by Yundi Li