late intermediate

Minute Waltz Op.64 No.1

Frédéric Chopin

What's this piece like?
Chopin's popular Waltz in D-flat, Op. 64, No. 1 is commonly known today as the "Minute" waltz. A publisher gave the waltz that nickname because it was short and not because it can or should be played in a minute. But that hasn’t stopped people from trying. Chopin got the inspiration for this waltz as he was watching a small dog chase its tail, which prompted the composer to name the piece "Valse du Petit Chien", meaning "The Little Dog Waltz". Just by listening to the opening measures we can easily hear that reference! This piece is an excellent exercise for the right hand to play fast notes with clarity. The main theme is full of energy and drive, while the middle section explores a new character that is dreamy and graceful at the same time.
Who's this piece for?
This piece will impress your audience and give you the motivation you need to move on to even harder repertoire.
3-4 pages
Romantic
Db major

MOOD: Flashy, fast and playful.

TECHNIQUE: Right hand and scales.

Ranking
Equivalent to RCM level 9
Equivalent to ABRSM level 8
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1841

Lower and Upper Canada united.

1843

Edvard Grieg was born.

1845

Edgar Allan Poe publishes The Raven and Other Poems.

1845

Texas is annexed into the United States of America.

1847

Minute Waltz was composed by F. Chopin at the age of 37 years old.

1847

California and New Mexico annexed by U.S.

1847

Felix Mendelssohn died.

1848

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels write the Communist Manifesto.

1849

Frédéric Chopin died.

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