Waltz in A minor
Chopin’s most approachable waltz – never published in his lifetime and today the most-saved piano piece on MuseScore after the very biggest names.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Frédéric Chopin
- Year
- 1843
- Origin
- B. 150, without opus number
- Key
- A minor
- Level
- Intermediate
- Keys recommended
- 76
How difficult is it?
Short, clear form, manageable grips. The waltz most people play as their first Chopin.
The real hurdle
The bass leaps in waltz step across wide distances. Miss it and you lose the beat – practise hands separately.
How long does it take?
Three to six weeks.
A rule of thumb, not a rule – how fast it goes depends on prior experience and practice time. This level is an assessment, not a measurement: most pieces exist in arrangements ranging from heavily simplified to concert level. The rating refers to the common arrangement.
Which instrument suits it?
76 keys are enough. Pedal on each downbeat, nothing more is needed.
Instruments that suit it
Casio CDP-S360 EU approx. €450–500Portable digital piano with Scaled Hammer Action II action.
Yamaha CLP-825 EU approx. €1,350–1,650Cabinet digital piano with GrandTouch-S action.
Kawai MP7SE EU approx. €1,400–1,550The stage all-rounder with Kawai’s RHIII feel – favourite of many pianists with stage jobs.
The catalogue lists 233 instruments with verified data – key count, action and connections documented rather than claimed.
Where to find the sheet music
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
Free: the historical editions
IMSLP holds the old, public-domain editions as PDFs – free and legal. Engraving and fingering reflect their era; anyone wanting a modern, easily readable edition is often better served by a paid one.
Modern editions and arrangements
Simplified versions, modern engraving and arrangements are available from the usual sheet music retailers. We will add direct links here shortly.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is Waltz in A minor?
Short, clear form, manageable grips. The waltz most people play as their first Chopin.
What key is Waltz in A minor in?
Waltz in A minor is in A minor.
How many keys do you need for Waltz in A minor?
76 keys are recommended.
Who composed Waltz in A minor?
Frédéric Chopin, 1843.
Can you download the sheet music for Waltz in A minor for free?
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
How long does it take to learn Waltz in A minor?
Three to six weeks.
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