Piano Waltzes

Im playing the piano at an upper class afternoon tea party on April 6th...and need to put together a repertoire of waltzes for the piano.

So if you could give me some ideas and suggestions of waltzes to play and start practicing that would be great.

Think: Viennese...schubert like waltzes...but yea, anything will be great.

I am at a high piano level...not virtuoso...but high enough.

I can learn pieces very fast, but please don't suggest 13 page pieces...as thats just insane.

Soft pieces would be nice too...not ones that are meant to show off the performer....im only playing light background music.

Rude Entry I made.

Whoa... that last post really didn't make me more inclined to reply.

But OK. I'll explain why I haven't posted crap-all (whatever that would be) here yet.

First and foremost, it's very difficult to give repertoire suggestions to someone you don't know anything about. OK, you're at a "high piano level, not virtuoso, but high enough". To be honest: That doesn't really tell me crap-anything about you. At least not crap-enough to weedle out a few suggestions from the huge (I assume you're aware of how huge) literature of piano music.

Second, and I've already touched on this, while "light background music" narrows it down slightly, the literature is still on the huge side.

Now, you did say specifically waltzes, so now I'll try to be a bit constructive. Did they specifically request just waltzes? If so, how about Chopin? But then, if you're at a high piano level (although that could mean anything, as I've already said), I'm sure you already know Chopin has written waltzes. You asked, though.

If they did not specifically request just waltzes, do you have any particular reason for putting together a program around that particular genre? If not, I suppose your request is for any "light background music", which again takes me back to what a huge subject it is.

Bottom line is that you'll be better off if you try to narrow it down a little, because otherwise this is, to tell you the truth, hard as hell to reply to. And it's sort of your job to make sure it isn't, because nobody here has any obligation to reply.

Improvise!

Sorry.

Was in a bad mood at the time, but still no excuse i guess.

Ok. I want simple Waltzes, ones that are not too long. Chopin's Valses' are ones i dont want, as they are too difficult to learn in 3 weeks...or however long it is.

Lets get narrow - Fist of all:

1. Short pieces, ones with simple melodic lines that get the point across.

2. The lady who asked me to play DID say waltzes, however, she didnt seem to know what she was talking about, so like you said 'there are heaps of waltzes' and i realise this.

3. Short pieces that YOU like. You probably have a heap, but I just really want a list of pieces that you would play if given the opportunity I have.

4. Songs that are no longer than 3 minutes.

5. Not too dramatic.

Look, all I really want is just some suggestions: The first thoughts that came to mind when you read my rather abrupt message. I may or may not play them, but I just want to perhaps broaden my thoughts on different repertoire. I mean, I know there are LOTS of waltzes for piano, but i want to find the more 'rarer gems'...the ones by composers that really havent been given such a big name as Schumann, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.

Any help will be appreciated. And i'm sorry for my rude approach earlier in the post.

Improvise

Thank you Gardener. I may. But if I do, it will be just Jazz, and it will have the sole purpose of getting me from one key, to another.

You already mentioned Schubert, and there are of course lots of lovely Vienna waltzes by Johann Strauss, father and son. I think you'll find quite some free sheet music for those on the web. I think there are some lovely and easy waltzes by Czerny too. I can't really name any piece directly though.

Hmm thats ok. thanks anyway :)

Yea, I will have to look for some strauss waltzes. I forgot about them *hides behind large object*...hahaha, thats pretty bad...forgetting about the kings of Waltz.

Ah well, they won't hurt me im sure. Perhaps their fans will though.

Thanks.