This is the earliest surviving waltz by Chopin. His first experience in adapting dance forms came when he wrote his first polonaise in 1817 (at age seven!). Three years later he wrote his first mazurka. By the time he produced this initial effort in the waltz genre, he was a fairly seasoned composer, already working mostly in dance forms.

This effervescent A flat waltz is brimming with energy and spirit in its wickedly fast pace. It is the perfect piece to illustrate the maxim that Chopin's efforts in dance genres were never intended for the ballroom. No pair of feet could keep step with this breathless pace; the most nimble and virtuosic fingers, in fact, are under constant challenge. The mood is manic, the joy and excitement of a type roller coasters provide, and the playfulness infused with mischief and humor. The brief, jovial middle section slows things to a mere hurry, and then the main theme throttles the tempo once more and races through the upper register to bring on the close. This piece lasts a mere minute or so, but it is not a huge exaggeration to assert that it would seem to have almost enough notes to fill a three-movement sonata.

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