12 Valses Nobles D.969

Franz Schubert [1797-1828]

12 Valses Nobles D.969 [1826]

Valse noble No.1 in C major

Valse noble No. 2 in A major

Vasle noble No.3 in C major

Valse noble No.4 in G major

Valse noble No. 5 in A minor/C major

Valse noble No.6 in C major

Valse noble No.7 in E major
Valse noble No.8 in A major
Valse noble No.9 in A minor
Valse noble No.10 in F major
Valse noble No.11 in C major
Valse noble No.12 in C major

The waltz as a dance and a musical form was hugely popular in the 19th Century – the public desire was insatiable and composers were drawn to the simple rhythm contour. Schubert wrote his dances for the enjoyment of friends and for them to dance to, and we can imagine, especially in the beautiful setting of Bantry House, well-heeled ladies and gentlemen waltzing at a candle-lit party. His Valses Nobles are probably his best-loved dances. As in so many cases, Schubert’s genius has resulted in a simple form becoming something far more interesting and beautiful than what most others could achieve. The balanced phrases, harmonic subtleties and melodic suspensions, with the overall charming Viennese lilting quality, creates an expressiveness and internal drama that is such a hallmark of Schubert’s style.

Helen Dawson