Chopin Waltz Analysis

Chopin Waltz Analysis 1/12/12 10:01 PM
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Chopin Waltz Analysis

Posted by PostalJives
PostalJives Registered: 2 years ago
Chopin Waltz Analysis
April 13, 2010 01:43AM Posts: 133
When reviewing a Chopin waltz, I noticed that he uses a lot of chromatic tones that are
not part of the diatonic scale. Even when he is not modulating or using any sort of
chromaticism in the harmony, he still uses them in the melody line. Is there a certain
reason for this? It sounds marvelous!
LuxembourgianSixth Registered: 2 years ago
Re: Chopin Waltz Analysis
April 13, 2010 03:29AM
Posts: 234
PostalJives Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Is there a certain reason for this?
Yep.
PostalJives Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>It sounds marvelous!
http://forum.emusictheory.com/read.php?5,3358,3361 Page 1 of 4
But in all seriousness, chromaticism is one of the hallmarks of the Romantic period. As
you noted, the harmony is probably pretty diatonic, but that doesn't exclude the use of
chromaticism in the melody. The chromatic tones are a special kind of non-harmonic
tone that are, aptly enough, called chromatic non-chord tones. Chopin wasn't the first to
use them, though. Part of Mozart's style, in fact, was the use of chromatic appoggiaturas
(appoggiaturi?). Chromatic non-harmonic tones are just a little bit more interesting than
their diatonic counterparts, and can be a bit more 'shimmery' when used correctly, as
Chopin often does.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/13/2010 03:39AM by LuxembourgianSixth.

stevel Registered: 3 years ago
April 13, 2010 08:09PM Posts: 1,027
LuxembourgianSixth Wrote:
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> (appoggiaturi?).
Appoggiature
Steve

April 13, 2010 08:14PM Posts: 1,027
There are also different types of chromaticism - some theorists call them "essential" and
"non-essential" - which I don't like because it implies that one is more important than the
other.
Basically, "essential" means "functional" - the chromaticism arises from a functional

harmonic need and "non-essential" means "decorative" or "embellishing" - meaning the
chromaticism is there more for "color" purposes.
The melodic chromaticism you're hearing in Chopin is more the latter type.
I'll disagree with L6 only a little - actually there is plenty of chromatic music in all
periods, though I will agree that most people associate it with the Romantic period - in
fact, the term "ultra-chromatic" is used in connection with some late Romantic period
music (Wagner, Strauss, etc.)
But Mozart, Haydn, and even Baroque composers - Bach, Purcell, etc. used a fair
amount of chromaticism - it's more the WAY they use it which separates styles.
If you get a chance, check out the music of Monteverdi, and especially Gesualdo to get
your daily dose of chromaticism.
Best,
Steve
PostalJives Registered: 2 years ago
April 13, 2010 08:24PM
Posts: 133
Is there a certain way to know when the non-essential chromaticism is acceptable? Or
maybe it is all intuitive?
By the way, I did check some of the music from Monteverdi. I'm really loving the
Lamento della Ninfa =P
April 13, 2010 08:30PM Posts: 1,027
PostalJives Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Is there a certain way to know when the
> non-essential chromaticism is acceptable? Or maybe
> it is all intuitive?
>
> By the way, I did check some of the music from
> Monteverdi. I'm really loving the Lamento della
> Ninfa =P
It really helps to listen to the various styles.
Non-essential chromaticism is "non-essential", so pretty much anything is acceptable.

But obviously, a "blue note" in a classical sounding piece is going to be an awkward or
comedic juxtaposition in most cases.
One nice thing to do if you're so inclined is listen intently to Mozart's early to lat String
Quartets (Haydn too) - you'll hear a gradual progression towards a more chromatic style
in the later quartets (check out Mozart's "Dissonant" Quartet).
It seems like Mozart was "figuring out" how to use chromaticism within the stylistic
guidelines handed down to him. Then of course Schubert and Schumann take it off in
another direction.
Steve
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Chopin Waltz Analysis 1/12/12 10:01 PM

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Chopin Waltz Analysis

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/13/2010 03:39AM by LuxembourgianSixth.

stevel Registered: 3 years ago

Basically, "essential" means "functional" - the chromaticism arises from a functional

It really helps to listen to the various styles.

Non-essential chromaticism is "non-essential", so pretty much anything is acceptable.

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