Composed in 1855, the Grande Valse in C-sharp minor is Henselt’s most ambitious foray into the genre of the concert waltz. Subtitled “L’aurore boréale” (The Northern Lights), the piece transcends the salon idiom with its dramatic arc, dense textures, and chromatic richness. Four contrasting themes are introduced and gradually transformed, culminating in a coda that blends radiant virtuosity with introspective lyricism.
Henselt’s contrapuntal writing adds unusual complexity to the waltz form, while his refined harmonies and expressive voicing evoke both grandeur and nostalgia. Though rooted in the tradition of Chopin, this waltz bears Henselt’s unmistakable signature: broad hand spans, flowing lines, and a sound world that is at once opulent and emotionally layered. More a tone poem than a dance piece, the Grande Valse invites the pianist to explore the full expressive potential of the Romantic keyboard.
Quick Overview
- Composer: Adolf von Henselt (1814–1889)
- Edition: Urtext (FE005)
- Pages: 20 (17 + III) pages.
- Difficulty: Level 8 / 10
- Editor: Martijn Vromans
- Paper: A4, 120 gsm cream (Clairefontaine)
- Binding: Black steel wire binding
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