About the piece
Chopin published it in 1847 and dedicated it to Countess Delfina Potocka. “Minute” means “small”, not “sixty seconds”: played well it lasts almost twice that. It is said to have been inspired by a little dog chasing its own tail.
The right hand races through very fast circular figures, while the left keeps the classic waltz step: bass and two chords.
How to practise it
- Speed at 40–50% at first: the right-hand figures must be even and light.
- Left hand alone, bass–chord–chord, with a loose wrist.
- The middle section is slower and singing: a good place to start.
- Speed up only when a passage is clean three times in a row.
Free sheet music
First page. Complete sheet music (PDF) on the Mutopia Project (public domain, edition by Magnus Lewis-Smith); in the Piano Learning app you read it two pages side by side while you play.
Frequently asked questions
Does it really last a minute?
No: “minute” here means “small”. It usually takes between a minute and a half and two minutes.
Is it suitable for beginners?
No, it is advanced because of the fast right hand. The middle section can be learned earlier, though.