Waltz Parisienne, Op. 63, No. 19: Intermediate Piano Sheet

Graceful and lyrical, with the gentle sway of a Parisian ballroom. The piece breathes in the comfortable key of G major, allowing fluid melodic motion and a sense of ease that invites the performer to sing through the keyboard rather than merely play notes.

Intermediate pianists building fluency in romantic-era style and expressive playing. This solo works well for students who read comfortably in multiple keys and are ready to move beyond technical exercises toward interpretive choices.

• Shape each phrase as a single breath, even where the written line suggests natural breaks. This keeps the waltz feeling continuous rather than choppy.
• Lean slightly into the first beat of each measure to honor the waltz's inherent dance character, then lighten the second and third beats.
• Experiment with tempo flexibility in the lyrical passages. A rubato that breathes with the melody will feel more natural than metronomic precision.
• Balance the melody against any accompaniment figures so the singing line always emerges clearly.

Program this as a contrast piece alongside something more dramatic or contemporary in a student recital. Its elegance and accessibility make it an excellent choice for students making their first solo performance appearances, and the intermediate level keeps preparation time realistic.

• Phrasing in the romantic style with attention to lyrical line
• Waltz rhythm (3/4 time with dance-like character)
• Rubato and tempo flexibility in expressive playing
• Voice leading and balance between melody and accompaniment
• Music reading in G major with intermediate-level harmonic movement