Minute Waltz Op64

Minute Waltz (Minuten-Waltzer) Op.64 No.1 by Frederic Chopin
Arranged for Two Flutes and Piano by Ary van Leeuwen
Includes piano score and parts

Frederic Chopin was born near Warsaw in 1810 and died in Paris in 1849.  He was one of those pianists who opened up new dimensions for their instrument: his playing technique was phenomenal, and he also knew how to make the piano “sing”- a skill that made Chopin stand out against many of his fellow pianists.  Even his shorter compositions, such as the Nocturnes, Preludes, Waltzes, Polonaises or Mazurkas require profound virtuosity.  However, being an enthusiastic lover of operas, Chopin obviously considered expression and atmosphere more important in many of these pieces than the narcissistic display of technical skills.

Chopin’s compositions for the piano are so instrument specific that only a few of his works have been used for arrangements.  The shorter, song-oriented forms have proved particularly suitable such as the Nocturnes as well as the Mazurkas and Waltzes.  Transcriptions even include a few Etudes.

The Minute Waltz Op.64 No. 1 presented here was arranged by Ary van Leeuwen for two flutes and piano.  This Dutch flutist (1875-1953) is one of the most interesting representatives of the early 20th century art of flute playing. He was instructed as a flutist by leading flute players (e.g. Joachim Andersen) and received comprehensive musical training: piano, organ, counterpoint, harmony, and conducting.  Many of his editions and arrangements were published by the Julius Heinrich Zimmermann publishing company, and he did not shy away from modifying the original text to make it more “suitable” for the flute.  For example, in the edition presented here, the 2nd flute part is entirely his own work. A comparison of his versions with the authentic Urtext editions used today is a highly interesting exercise since it gives us some good insights into the performance of the early 20th century.” -Henner Eppel (Preface)