Composer

:

Camille Saint-Saëns

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Waltz

Compose Date

:

1898

Publication Date

:

1898

Average_duration

:

3:42

Camille Saint-Saëns composed his 'Valse nonchalante, Op. 110' in 1906. The piece was premiered on January 22, 1907, in Paris, with the composer himself at the piano. The work is a single-movement waltz, with a duration of approximately six minutes. The 'Valse nonchalante' is characterized by its light and playful nature, as well as its use of chromaticism and unexpected harmonic shifts. The piece begins with a lilting melody in the right hand, accompanied by a simple waltz rhythm in the left. As the piece progresses, Saint-Saëns introduces a number of variations on this theme, including a more virtuosic section in the middle of the piece. One of the most notable features of the 'Valse nonchalante' is its use of chromaticism. Saint-Saëns frequently employs chromatic harmonies and unexpected modulations, giving the piece a sense of unpredictability and playfulness. This is particularly evident in the middle section of the piece, where the harmonies become more complex and the rhythm becomes more syncopated. Despite its light and playful nature, the 'Valse nonchalante' is also a technically demanding piece. The virtuosic middle section requires a high level of technical skill, particularly in the right hand, where Saint-Saëns employs a number of rapid arpeggios and runs. Overall, the 'Valse nonchalante, Op. 110' is a charming and delightful piece, showcasing Saint-Saëns' skill as a composer and pianist. Its playful nature and technical demands make it a popular choice for pianists and audiences alike.

More....