A melody that is hauntingly beautiful characterises this encore and shortened version of Tchaikovsky’s Valse Sentimental. This intermediate level arrangement for mandolin and classical or acoustic is a cut down version of Opus 51 No.6. and features an alternative ending which simplifies Tchaikovsky’s original cadenza like coda. The guitar part is a simplified version of the piano part with the music transposed to the key of G. Guitar accompaniments are available playing at 40, 42, and 44 beats per minute where the beat is a dotted half note or minim. The mandolin and guitar parts are presented both in standard notation & TAB. The mandolin part does not feature the tremolo technique so characteristic of mandolin playing although they possibly could be added in the middle section. Formally this short version of the movement can be described as in ternary form ABA with a short coda as a closing section. Originally composed as a piano solo and dating from 1882 it is described as salon music intended in its time to be performed as drawing room music rather than in the concert hall. As a movement a waltz needs to have a one in the bar feel to it rather than three beats to the bar. The playback tempo of the realisation is 40 dotted half notes (minim) beats to the minute. It is a movement that requires subtle changes of tempo in the tempo rubato sense. The waltz is a dance and as much of Tchaikovsky’s music is associated with ballet, the Valse Sentimental needs to played with an awareness of movement. The music needs to glide or ebb and flow. If played strictly in time the music becomes quite dull. A movement that is excellent for developing an understanding of performance practice in the romantic / late romantic tradition. A perfect movement to understand how to manage tempo in music in the playing sense and to understand how rubato should work and be used in a music performance. The melody needs to be played legato. Players should be working to improve both the intonation and quality of tone in their playing. In the cadenza like coda beginning at bar where the music has a more dramatic quality and is marked meno mosso it is more practicable to approach this section with a three in the bar feel to the music. The bracketed notes in the accompaniment are editorial and can be omitted. Tchaikovsky's exceptional gift as a composer apart from writing beautiful melodies and accompaniments is his ability to express a great range of moods from the happiest to the saddest moments in his music probably better than anybody else.
