Waltzes, Op. 70 (Chopin)

The Waltzes, Op. 70 are a set of three waltzes composed by Frédéric Chopin. They were not published during his lifetime; rather, they were published posthumously in 1855. Therefore, they are often not considered part of the core Chopin waltz repertoire, but are nonetheless performed and appreciated for their individual character and charm.

The waltzes are:

• Waltz No. 1 in G-flat major, Op. 70, No. 1: A lively and elegant waltz, often noted for its contrasting sections and melodic grace. It showcases Chopin's characteristic ornamentation and harmonic subtlety.

• Waltz No. 2 in F minor, Op. 70, No. 2: A more melancholic and introspective waltz compared to its counterparts in the set. Its F minor key contributes to a sense of yearning and reflection.

• Waltz No. 3 in D-flat major, Op. 70, No. 3: A charming and relatively simple waltz, offering a lighter and more optimistic mood than the F minor waltz. It possesses a graceful and flowing melody.

The exact dating of the composition of these waltzes is uncertain, but it is generally accepted that they were composed at different times during Chopin's life. Their posthumous publication provides insight into the breadth of Chopin's compositional output and offers further examples of his mastery of the waltz form. Although perhaps less frequently performed than some of his other waltzes, Op. 70 provides valuable examples of his compositional style.