Polish classical pianist Greg Niemczuk plays Frédéric Chopin’s Waltz No. 19 in A minor, B. 150, a waltz for solo piano. The piece was written sometime between 1847 and 1849 but was not published until 1860, after the composer’s death. This performance was recorded in Ibsenhuset, Skien, Norway, on May 14, 2023.
Frédéric Chopin’s Waltz No. 19 in A minor, B. 150
Frédéric Chopin’s Waltz No. 19 in A minor, B. 150, WN 63, KK IVb/11, P. 2/11, composed for solo piano between 1847 and 1849, remained unpublished until 1860, years after Chopin’s death. Initially, Jacques Maho published it attributing it to Charlotte de Rothschild within “Four pieces for piano,” which also featured Chopin’s Nocturne in C minor, B. 108. It wasn’t until 1955, nearly a century later, that the piece was rightfully acknowledged as Chopin’s work.
This waltz, brief and less demanding technically, is cast in a single-movement rondo form marked allegretto. It embodies a profound melancholy, interspersed with moments that suggest a fleeting happiness and optimism.
The primary theme is straightforward yet emotionally rich, adorned with ornamental flourishes, painting a picture of elegance tinged with sorrow. A contrasting theme introduces a brighter, albeit still melancholic, energy with a rapid arpeggio ascent.
Midway, the piece shifts into A major, bringing forth a melody that radiates joy and lightness, before reverting to the main theme and concluding with a concise coda, encapsulating a journey through shades of sadness and glimpses of hope.
Greg Niemczuk
Grzegorz (Greg) Niemczuk, born in 1985, has emerged as one of Poland’s most distinguished pianists, renowned for his complete mastery of Chopin’s piano music. His performances have garnered him recognition alongside luminaries such as Martha Argerich and Maurizio Pollini, cementing his status as a leading artist of his generation. Over 15 years, Niemczuk has captivated over 100,000 listeners across 35 countries with his emotive interpretations, technical brilliance, and nuanced play, performing in prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Beijing Concert Hall.
His debut in China and a celebrated performance in Tokyo in 2017 highlight his international acclaim. Niemczuk’s repertoire spans over 250 solo pieces and 30 piano concertos, with a special affinity for the Romantic era, particularly Chopin’s works. His contribution to the global appreciation of Chopin includes an ambitious project launched in April 2020, where he embarked on recording video lectures on every Chopin piece, offering insights and analyses, significantly during the challenging times of the global pandemic.
Niemczuk’s achievements in international piano competitions, including winning the 2013 International Carnegie Hall Concerto Debut Competition and the 40th National Frederic Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in 2010, underscore his exceptional talent and deep connection with Chopin’s music. His contributions have been recognized with awards from the Polish government and invitations to perform at major festivals worldwide.
Beyond his performing career, Niemczuk is committed to education, holding a faculty position at the Silesian University in Katowice, where he continues to inspire the next generation of musicians. His dedication to sharing his passion for music, coupled with his remarkable achievements on the international stage, makes Grzegorz Niemczuk a significant figure in the world of classical music, promoting the legacy of Chopin and enriching the cultural tapestry with his artistry.
Sources
- Waltz in A minor (Chopin) on Wikipedia
- Waltz in A minor, B.150 (Chopin, Frédéric) on the International Music Score Library Project website
- Greg Niemczuk’s official website
