Sibelius: Valse Triste [Alf:00-3598]

One of the most famous piano pieces by Sibelius, this waltz in G features contrasting moods and dark colors. Originally written as incidental program music for a drama written by the composer's brother-in-law, "Valse triste" was so popular that Sibelius arranged the piece for piano solo for the advanced pianist. This six-page piece begins slowly and quietly and builds gradually to a stormy stretto passage performed in a quicker tempo at the end.