Valse triste (Sibelius) facts for kids

Valse triste (which means Sad Waltz) is a famous and short piece of music for an orchestra. It was written by the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.

This music was first part of a play called Kuolema (meaning Death). Sibelius wrote it for his brother-in-law's play in 1903. But Valse triste became much more popular on its own, outside of the play.

Sibelius wrote six pieces for the play in 1903. The first version of this waltz had a different name. In 1904, he changed it a bit and called it Valse triste. It was played in Helsinki and people loved it right away! It's still one of Sibelius's most well-known pieces.

The Story Behind the Music

Valse triste was written for a sad scene in the play Kuolema. The story is about a son watching over his sick mother. He falls asleep because he is so tired.

A Dreamy Dance Scene

As he sleeps, a soft, reddish light fills the room. Gentle music starts to play far away and slowly gets closer. It's a waltz!

The sick mother wakes up. She gets out of bed in her long white nightgown. It looks like a fancy ball dress. She starts to move slowly, as if dancing to the music. She waves her hands, inviting invisible guests to join her.

Invisible Dancers Arrive

Strange, ghostly couples appear and begin to waltz with her. The dying mother tries to look into their eyes, but the shadowy dancers avoid her gaze.

She seems to get tired and sinks back onto her bed. The music stops. But then, she finds new strength and calls for the dance to begin again, with more energy.

The Final Dance

The shadowy dancers return, spinning in a wild, fast rhythm. The strange, happy feeling grows stronger. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door, and it flies open.

The mother cries out in despair. The ghostly guests disappear, and the music fades away. Death stands at the doorway. This sad story inspired Sibelius's famous waltz.

How the Music Was Published

The very first version of the music from 1903 does not exist anymore. A company called Breitkopf & Härtel published the revised piece in 1905. They called it 'Op. 44'.

Later, in 1906, Sibelius combined two other pieces from the play. He called this new piece Scene with Cranes. This piece was published much later, in 1973. Because of this, Valse triste was then officially called Op. 44, No. 1, and Scene with Cranes became Op. 44, No. 2.

Instruments Used

Valse triste is played by a small orchestra. The instruments include:

• Flute
• Clarinet (in the key of A)
• Two Horns (in the key of F)
• One Timpani (a type of drum, usually just one tuned to D)
• Strings (like violins, violas, cellos, and basses)

See also

In Spanish: Valse triste para niños