Chopin composed his Valse in F minor, Op. 70 No. 2 (Rendered in B minor in this arrangement for guitar) in 1842, during his mature Paris years - a time when his music often became confessional in nature, revealing private emotions through small, finely shaped gestures rather than grand virtuoso display. This waltz belongs to that intimate world: understated, melancholic, and remarkably well suited to the guitar’s ability to bring out quiet shades of color and expressive nuance.

He wrote the piece for Anna Caroline Oury, a respected pianist and former student of Czerny. Chopin admired her musicianship with unusual sincerity, praising the “grace and elegance” of her playing and recalling a Hummel adagio she performed that moved him deeply. In a letter to Oury he added, almost shyly, “As for the little waltz which I have had the pleasure of writing for you, I beg you, keep it for yourself: I should not like it to be made public.” It was a personal gift, not a public statement - a glimpse into Chopin’s private musical world.

The waltz remained unpublished until 1855, several years after his death, reinforcing its status as something meant for a trusted circle rather than the concert hall. Its melancholy tone reflects the emotional landscape of Chopin’s life at the time: his long, complicated relationship with George Sand, the strain of declining health, and the introspective mood that permeates his later works. Wilhelm von Lenz, who heard Chopin play it often, called it La Valse mélancolique - a title that captures its wistful, almost fragile beauty.

For the guitarist, this waltz offers a rare opportunity: a piece modest in scale yet rich in emotional detail, perfectly matched to the instrument’s warmth and expressive flexibility. Its lyrical lines, gentle harmonic turns, and understated drama make it a rewarding addition to any repertoire - a small, personal window into Chopin’s inner life, rendered with elegance and quiet depth.

Score: 3 pages

Comments: 4 pages

Below is a link to Youtube which will allow you to get an idea of what this piece sounds like on the piano. (Performed by Valentina Lasitsa)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F_qDh7Sq9Q&list=RD8F_qDh7Sq9Q&start_radio=1

Over the coming months, I will be playing short excerpts from all pieces listed in this catalogue on classical guitar myself and post them on my Youtube channel, titled:

Michael De Baker Arrangements for Classical Guitar.

Thanks for tuning in. Wishing you much musical enjoyment and many rewarding hours with our instrument, the classical guitar.

Michael

Contact. If you’d like to reach out - whether about repertoire, arrangements, or upcoming projects - feel free to email me at mdebakerclassicalguitar@use.startmail.com