Who composed the piece of music known as "The Minute Waltz"?

The piece of piano music generally known in English as the "Minute Waltz" was composed by the Polish composer and pianist Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849). It was both written and first performed in 1847.

Some may be surprised to discover that the original title of the piece was, in fact, "Valse du Petit Chien" - or, in English, "The Puppy's Waltz". It does, indeed, remind one a little of an excited puppy scampering around impatiently!

It should also be noted, that whilst Chopin instructed that the piece be played "Molto Vivace", or in an exceedingly lively manner, he never intended for the performance to only take a minute - it is generally accepted that the optimum performance time is between a minute and a half and two and a half minutes.

It has been played by most eminent pianists, and also has the distinction of having featured in an episode of "Sesame Street". To British readers, it will also be familiar as the theme music to the long-running radio show, "Just a Minute".