Although it has long been known as the 'Minute' Waltz, its nickname was intended to mean 'small' in the sense of a 'miniature' waltz, given by its publisher. The piece is given the tempo marking Molto vivace. Following a lengthy trill, the A section is repeated, modified only in the ending, which features a three-octave descent instead of a two-octave one. The B section is somewhat calmer, using alternating half and quarter notes over waltz accompaniment. The second theme is similar, but not identical, and features several broken scales over several octaves between a repeated quarter note and triplet motive. The first consists of the familiar opening melody over standard waltz accompaniment, frequently rising an octave only to drop back down. The A section itself can be divided into two themes, separated by a double barline. The A section is marked leggero, and the B section sostenuto.

It is in a simple ternary form, as are many of Chopin's compositions.

Chopin indicates that the waltz is to be played with the sustain pedal used, and makes frequent use of crescendi and diminuendi. The waltz is in the key of D-flat major and has a tempo marking of molto vivace (very lively). Problems playing this file? See media help.

D flat major 9