Classical Music for the Seasons Music for the Seasons    

Lesson 22: Waltz in B minor, Op. 69 no. 2

by Frédéric Chopin

Performer: Olga Gurevich

Directions

Study the musical selection for one week.

Over the week:

• Each day, listen to the musical selection.
• Practice reciting the title of the composition and the composer's name.
• Read the synopsis.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

Showing kindness and appreciation, planning happy surprises, and thinking of those you love, in honor of the Valentine's season, you'll continue to listen to selections that represent love and affection for family and friends. Frédéric Chopin wrote 'Waltz in B minor, Op. 69 no. 2' in 1829 for solo piano. It was not published until after his death. Chopin reportedly wanted this composition burned after he died (and his other unpublished works at the time of his death). This composition is one of Chopin's easier to perform and better-known works. The name 'waltz' originally comes from a word that refers to the turning movement associated with the waltz dance. This lovely piece conjures images of dancing couples gracefully twirling around a ballroom floor.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Describe the Music

After listening to the music, describe and discuss what you heard.

Read the list of adjectives below. Select those that describe the music or think up additional adjectives.

• Happy
• Sad
• Quiet
• Loud
• Fast
• Slow
• Scary
• Dreamy
• Magical
• Rhythmic
• Dignified

Activity 2: Read a Love Poem

As you listen to the music, read 'How Do I Love Thee?' by Elizabeth Barrett Browning below.

• How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
• I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
• My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
• For the ends of being and ideal grace.
• I love thee to the level of every day's
• Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
• I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
• I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
• I love thee with the passion put to use
• In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
• I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
• With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
• Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
• I shall but love thee better after death.

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the music?

1 / 3

Answer 1

The title is 'Waltz in B minor.'

1 / 3

Question 2

Who composed the music?

2 / 3

Answer 2

The composer is Frédéric Chopin.

2 / 3

Question 3

What is 'Waltz in B minor' about?

3 / 3

Answer 3

'Waltz in B minor' is a waltz for dancing.

3 / 3

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the music? The title is 'Waltz in B minor.'
2. Who composed the music? The composer is Frédéric Chopin.
3. What is 'Waltz in B minor' about? 'Waltz in B minor' is a waltz for dancing.

References

'Waltz in B minor, Op. 69, No. 2 (Chopin).' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.