Waltz in Bb Minor

Op.86 1988

David Hellewell

The piece is subtitled “Homage to Chopin”, but is also just as much a homage to two other 19thC Romantics whom Hellewell admires: Brahms and Liszt. The waltz is dedicated to “The Hurn Oaks”, near Christchurch, Dorset, where Hellewell first conceived the work whilst leaning against these mighty centuries-old trees - these, and nature generally, being of major importance and influence on the composer’s life and art. Though comparatively short, gentle and romantic, towards the end the piece erupts with massive force and power empathetic with the underlying strength and latent power of these magnificent trees.