Valse mélancolique for Orchestra by Emīls Dārziņš, edited by Matt Johnston. Latvian composer, conductor, and music critic Emīls Dārziņš (1875–1910) was a leading figure in Latvia’s early national musical culture, known especially for his expressive choral works and songs. Composed in 1904, his Valse mélancolique is a dreamy, deeply lyrical orchestral waltz that has become one of the most beloved works in the Latvian symphonic repertoire. Two considerations from the editor: The timpani part is fairly minimal and can be considered optional, playing a single drum and only at two instances during the entire work. Also, the English horn part, while soloistic, is also fairly minimal and has been cued into the Bassoon 2 part.

Instrumentation:

• 2 Flutes
• Oboe
• English Horn
• 2 Clarinets (A)
• 2 Bassoons
• 2 Horns (F)
• Timpani (one drum, can be considered optional)

• Violin I
• Violin II
• Viola
• Cello
• Contrabass