Valse Sentimental in C

The waltz as a musical form evolved from various Renaissance and Baroque sliding or gliding dance forms and encompassed peasant country folk dances of Central Europe. The classical waltz in which partners were held closely and whirled around the dance floor was first described in the mid-eighteenth century in Bohemia and Bavaria. Johann Strauss Jr introduced an anticipation type of rhythm in which the second beat of the measure was sounded making the third beat late resulting in more of a two-step waltz. The waltz became popular in Vienna around 1780 where it became widespread throughout Europe due to the influence of the Hapsburg court.

The composer’s waltz style follows that of Chopin in general format with the main theme based in the tonic key, modulating to a secondary theme in the dominant key followed by one or more transitional passages in a related minor key before returning to the main and secondary themes, ending on the tonic. Chopin waltzes were more salon pieces rather than considered Viennese in style and use. The symphonic waltz style achieved it pinnacle with the waltzes and ballets of Tschaikowsky.

The Valse Sentimentale is based on the Viennese style of waltz meant for dancing with rotation and gliding around the dance floor. The waltz follows the A-B-C-D-B-A form for melodic sections. It transitions from C Major to F Major in the middle section employing a halting 2 step motion in the bass. The melodies are supplemented with a fluid contrapuntal secondary voice.

This waltz was a commissioned work for Ms. Daniela Gasparini and Mr. Alyn Beals on the occasion of their wedding at their vineyard in Healdsburg, California. The piece was performed on a Yamaha digital piano with the couple dancing to the waltz at their wedding.

The piece was composed from 26 October 2010 through 21 May 2011.