I’ve been asked to contribute a piece towards a new compilation of piano pieces which are centred around the classic musical form, the Waltz.
It will be released late this year or early in 2026, but my deadline is the end of October.
In recent weeks, I have been working on something which I am really starting to enjoy and appreciate, and which, so far, continues to pass the I-liked-it-when-I-came-back-to-it test all composers face when returning to something they had been working on previously.
However, it struck me that with something so established and foundational as a Waltz, it might be interesting to hear from all of you what you like, and indeed what you might dislike, about the Waltz as a musical form.
Some things to think over (in general or specific):
What do you like or dislike about the Waltz as a musical form?
Why does the piano work so well for a Waltz?
Do you have any particular Waltzes you especially enjoy or like to listen?
Pop your comments below…
I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts, and hearing a range of music. It would be great if you could include a YouTube link to anything you’d like to share, and I’m hoping this will prove helpful and inspirational in trying to finish off my piece.
I have my own favourite Waltzes but I’m most keen to hear from you, before I share mine with you.
Thanks in advance!
I love playing and composing waltzes because my grandparents used to play Chopin waltzes all the time and I used to dance classical ballet so it's a musical form evocative of my childhood. I like the repetitive nature of the left hand rhythm, stable but allowing for detailed change in harmony, and the way the right hand can sing and dance the melody. My grandmother was especially good at playing the fast famous ones but my favourites to play are the slower ones:
https://youtu.be/hlzF_jLZOL4?si=vlqM6oeSokQ_JBvX
https://youtu.be/euLyQCJmCfs?si=P1JnlEUZ9Ro3nuCH
Sounds like a cool project, looking forward to hearing it!
Another waltz - "Before The Flowers Wither":
https://youtu.be/SxhpaDc4ulc?si=MRL7RSFtkhQFJPaJ