Piano Waltzes in the Works of Aleksander Zarzycki (1834–1895)

Abstract

Aleksander Zarzycki’s piano works are represented, in addition to other genres, by waltzes, of which he composed five. The first three, Grande valse Op. 4, Valse brillante Op. 8 and Grand valse Op. 18, are considered concert waltzes – larger in size and characterised by a variety of melodic ideas. They form an example showing that the composer continued to work with the traditional ternary form (ABA₁). Internally, these works are very elaborate. Zarzycki extensively employs the technique of variation, crafting new melodies by referencing a key motif, and imitation (of a motif or phrase) in both hand parts. The main tonalities are maintained only in short sections. The waltzes typically display frequent mode changes and more distant keys that are introduced through progressions or sometimes even through direct key changes without any modulation. The last two waltzes, Valse-Impromptu Op. 24 No. 2 and En valsant Op. 34 No. 3, due to their size can be categorised as piano miniatures. Formally, like those mentioned earlier, they have a ternary form, with a contrasted middle movement (in a dominant relation), but they are far less melodically differentiated. All five waltzes fit the style. Undoubtedly, the mentioned music pieces are technically and interpretively challenging due to their large jumps, use of chords with a wide span up to a twelfth, and varying melody and key. The article also discusses the matter of dating works, editions, dedications, and first performances that was made possible based on source research.