Waltz in A minor, Op. posth. (Chopin)

Structure and analysis#

This waltz is structured as a single movement in rondo form marked Allegretto. Robert Cummings described the piece as showing both sadness and hope. The first theme consists of sixteen measures in four phrases with slight variation, using a simple sad melody decorated by ornaments. The second theme is eight measures long, being repeated. It is more lively, punctuated by a brisk ascending arpeggio, yet it still has a certain sadness. The next section consists of sixteen measures and is repeated. It replaces a Trio in a typical waltz, starting with the main theme again before modulating to A major, featuring a joyful melody. The piece ends with a return of the first three phrases of the main theme, before concluding with a short coda in A minor.