Description

Chopin's waltzes were no longer conceived for dancing or the ballroom, as were those by Schubert. Instead, these pieces took on the form and function of idealized concert waltzes that Chopin enjoyed performing in the elegant salons of Paris. A prime example is the "Grande Valse brillante" op. 18, which features a variety of charming melodic ideas and moods - from gentle rocking to overwhelming to triumphantly jubilant. This waltz's medium difficulty level allows even less proficient pianists to experience Chopin's "brilliant" side.