Minute Waltz facts for kids
The Minute Waltz is a famous piece of music for the piano. Its real name is the Waltz in D flat major, Op. 64, No. 1. The great composer Frédéric Chopin wrote it in 1847.
People often call it "The Waltz of the Little Dog" (French: Valse du petit chien). This is because Chopin was watching a small dog chase its tail when he wrote it. The dog's name was Marquis, and it belonged to Chopin's friend, George Sand. Chopin even wrote about Marquis in some of his letters!
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About the Minute Waltz
This waltz was published by Breitkopf & Härtel. It was the first of three waltzes in a collection called Trois Valses, Op. 64. The publisher gave it the popular nickname "Minute". Here, "minute" means small or little, not the time unit.
How Fast Is It Played?
The music has a tempo marking of Molto vivace (English: Very fast, very lively). However, Chopin did not mean for it to be played in exactly one minute. A typical performance usually lasts between one and a half to two and a half minutes.
The Music's Structure
The Minute Waltz is written in 3/4 time signature, which is typical for a waltz. It has 138 measures and a repeated section. The waltz follows a ternary, or ABA, structure. This means it has a main "A" section, then a different "B" section, and then the "A" section returns.
- The "A" section features fast, swirling lines of eighth notes and triplets. These notes play over the classic "om-pah-pah" rhythm of a waltz.
- The "B" section changes pace. It uses a steady pattern of half notes and quarter notes.
- After the "B" section, a long trill (a quick back-and-forth between two notes) signals the return of the "A" section. The waltz then finishes with a descending scale.
Minute Waltz in Pop Culture
The Minute Waltz has been used in many TV shows and movies. You might have heard it on shows like Pretty Little Liars, The Girlfriend Experience, and One Tree Hill.
Images for kids
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Opening of the "Minute Waltz"
See also
In Spanish: Vals del minuto para niños
