Ernst von Dohnányi ： Waltz Suite Op.39a for Two Pianos

Dohnányi’s Waltz Suite, Op.39a, is a suite that makes full use of the expansive sonority of two pianos, offering both the elegance of the waltz and its brilliant sense of motion. The individual waltzes reveal contrasting characters, with the musical landscape shifting from light dance-like passages to fuller, more songful moments. Highlights include the interplay between the two pianos, the passing of melodies from one instrument to the other, and the points where the accompaniment’s momentum becomes fully integrated. In performance, it is important to preserve the sway of the triple meter, keep the melodies from being obscured, and avoid making the sound overly rich through excessive pedal. Maintaining poise even in brilliant passages allows elegance and vitality to coexist.