Waltz in F Major

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 Waltz in F Major can be considered as a companion waltz to the Valse Triste Op. 26 as it makes use of excess melodies developed in the writing of the Valse Triste. The work modulates from the tonic of F Major to the dominant C Major to A Major onto G minor then G Major before concluding passing through D minor on F Major. The waltz has a lilting quality by alternating half notes and eighth notes using neighboring and passing tones.

The composition was generated from 02 February 2015 through 07 June 2015.