Burgmüller: Ballade

Burgmüller’s Ballade is in 3/4 time for the whole piece, and that brings up an interesting question: is 3/4 time always going to sound like a waltz? And the answer here is clearly not. This piece is in ABA form. The A section is in minor and has a very strong beat. To me it is much like a waltz except that there are three beats and not two.

This ABA form is very effective.

The middle or B section very clearly is a waltz, and because it is in major it makes a very nice change from the minor mood of the A section. The tempo is the same, but the feeling is totally different. The A section is rugged and jagged. But the waltz section in the middle is smooth and has a dance feel.

4 thoughts on “Burgmüller: Ballade”

  1. I personally think this sounds pretty good. However, playing it wasn’t the best experience I had. Good for first-time listeners, but you’ll probably have a better time playing this than me.

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