Frédéric Chopin, two forgotten Waltzes

I think nobody will deny that Frédéric Chopin is one of the most remarkable and prominent composers of the Romantic period whose ballades, sonatas, mazurkas, waltzes and works in other genres belong to the greatest and priceless musical heritage of mankind.
Some musicologists consider waltzes to be right the most intimate, so to say, “autobiographical” compositions by this genius of piano music. So, I would like to draw your attention to his two waltzes, "Waltz in E Flat Major" and "Waltz in A Minor", not only as they are to my mind masterpieces of astonishing beauty, but also as the history of their creation could be rather interesting for you.
Both manuscripts are stored at the Paris Conservatoire nowadays, but their ways to this location differ from each other. The manuscript of "Waltz in E Flat Major" was granted to the conservatory by Joseph Gaillard, whose father banker Emill Gaillard was Frédéric Chopin’s disciple and close friend. Though it has no dedication on it, we can suggest that the composer gave it to E. Gaillard as he wrote this composition especially for him.
The manuscript of "Waltz in A Minor" was granted by a member of the family Rothschild in 1901. It could be one of the manuscripts given by F. Chopin to Paris Rothschilds, who had had friendly relationships with him since 1832. Baroness Nathaniel de Rothschild was taught by the composer and received as a gift some manuscripts from him. The manuscript is marked with no dedication, date or signature. But some specialists admit the possibility that the waltz could be written during his Polish period. This opinion is backed up with the polish title of the rewritten manuscript – “Walec” or “Walse”. In spite of the fact that Paris Rothschilds possessed the manuscript, musicologists do not eliminate the possibility that it belongs to Chopin’s subsequent works.
Sheet music of these two excellent waltzes are available for download here:
Waltz in E Flat Major
Waltz in A Minor

Carnival Jest from Vienna by Robert Schumann

This lovely piece amazes the listeners with astonishing energy as well as with the high difficulty of its performing. Its playful and joyous character amuses and awakes in my soul children's innocence and wishes to jest and laugh like a kid, forgetting about all my troubles.
Sheet music is available for download here: Carnival Jest from Vienna, op. 26

Orchestral Trio for Two Violins and Cello with Piano by Johann Stamitz

This startling trio, charming with its apparent grace and beauty, is a rare masterpiece to my mind. Thanks to crescendo it engross gradually the listeners and playful violins entrain them easily into the imaginary world of flirty damsels and frivolous courtiers. In a word, this piece makes you forget about your routine troubles and brings you good mood and careless gaiety.
Sheet music of this great composition arranged by Hugo Riemann is available for download here: Orchestral Trio for Two Violins and Cello with Piano

Violin Concerto in A Minor by Antonio Vivaldi

None other violin concerto touches me as deeply as concertos by maestro Vivaldi do. While their listening you immerse into the amazing atmosphere of baroque music with its magnificent balls, luxurious dresses and wonderful palaces.
It really struck me since the very first chords by its beauty. So gracious and vivid, the piece is full of bright emotions and has a very rich harmonic pallet. Practicing this concerto brings me great joy and with it is not difficult technically, so I can fully concentrate on the expressive side of my play. In the future I'm going to include it into my constant repertoire, as I'm sure, that nobody can stay indifferent to this composition and will enjoy its every note performed by me.
Sheet music "Violin Concerto in A Minor" is available for download here: Violin Concerto in A Minor

"The Fairy-Queen" opera by Henry Purcell

One of the greatest works by Henry Purcell, composed in 1692. There are several interesting video fragments from this opera in the internet, but it is realy difficult to find sheet music available for download.



You can downloaf full score here: The Fairy-Queen