The Genre, Musical Texture, Rhythms, and Other Musical Elements of the Work
The so-called Waltz minute is a sparkling miniature in the piano character piece genre. The “tempo molto vivace” indicates the piece. It opens with a four-bar introduction that sets the listeners up for the playful nature of the miniature. Then the melody rises to the second octave and begins to descend gradually. The middle section has a more restrained pitch. It is a soft, gentle tune. In the end, the melody is embellished with trills. The last section of the waltz is based on the musical material of the first section. The work ends with a swift three-octave scale-like downward movement.
Romantic Characteristics of the Work
Waltz in D-flat Major has melodiousness that is characteristic of the Romantic style. In the piece, one can notice such characteristic features as a mood change from playfulness and lightness to a more relaxed pace. Waltz reflects the emotional state of the author. The analysis of individuals and psychology is the mainstream for the music of the nineteenth century.
Personal Attitude Toward the Work
I like Waltz in D-flat Major because it conveys a feeling of serenity and happiness. Even a child can understand this melody because it is about simple things such as a weekend, a sunny day, and love without parting. Chopin wrote this waltz at the estate of Nohant-Vic in France. This place reminded him of his homeland and had a beneficial effect on his work. The composer dedicated the waltz to his young and talented student and friend, Delfina Potocka. Later a romance broke out between them, which ended painfully for both. But while the waltz melody sounded, no one thought about the sorrows that were waiting ahead.
Reference
Rousseau. (2018). Chopin – Minute Waltz (Op. 64 No. 1) [Video]. YouTube. Web.