Composer

:

Jules Massenet

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Waltz

Publication Date

:

1901

Average_duration

:

3:53

Jules Massenet's 'Valse très lente' is a beautiful and romantic waltz that was composed in 1889. The piece was premiered in Paris on January 17, 1890, and was performed by the composer himself on the piano. The waltz is a single movement piece that is characterized by its slow and graceful tempo, as well as its lush and romantic harmonies. The piece begins with a gentle and flowing melody that is played by the piano. The melody is then taken up by the strings, who play it with a warm and expressive tone. The waltz then builds in intensity, with the piano and strings playing together in a rich and full-bodied sound. The melody is then passed back and forth between the piano and the strings, with each instrument adding its own unique color and texture to the music. As the waltz progresses, the tempo remains slow and deliberate, with the music flowing smoothly and gracefully. The harmonies are rich and complex, with Massenet using a variety of chords and modulations to create a sense of depth and complexity in the music. The waltz reaches its climax with a soaring melody that is played by the strings, accompanied by the piano in a lush and romantic harmony. Overall, 'Valse très lente' is a beautiful and expressive piece of music that showcases Massenet's skill as a composer. The waltz is characterized by its slow and graceful tempo, as well as its rich and complex harmonies. It is a piece that is sure to delight anyone who loves romantic music, and it remains a popular choice for pianists and string ensembles to this day.

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