I had a listen to the Valse Melancolique and wish I was able to see the topic when it was in the Audition Room. Erik Helling recorded the piece for the site. I was listening to it today and checked the score on imslp. Here is the first page, and the link to the scores:

http://imslp.org/wiki/File:TN-Liszt_Musikalische_Werke_2_Band_10_88.jpg

http://imslp.org/wiki/Valse_m%C3%A9lancolique,_S.210_(Liszt,_Franz)

I'm confused because the version Erik Helling plays doesn't sound anything like c-b eighth note trill figure that starts the piece. There is one part that is true to the score, the 2nd page of the "1st version." where the double fermatas 2nd pair of staves from the top. Helling must have played some transcription by another composer? Not that it doesn't sound nice, it actually sounds a lot like Liszt (but not a valse, more a sort of impromptu) I just thought it was shocking reading the score it sounds like an entirely different piece, though a part matches up

...still a little confused. Which version did Helling play? If Erik sees this perhaps he can hold forth!

That is a completely different piece indeed. A quick Google search reveals there are two Valses Melancholique (spelling ?), S.210 and S.214. I think this is the S.214. Very good performance by Erik Helling, maybe one of his best. He left the site not long after I joined (hopefully coincidence...) and we have not been able to find any trace of him since. It's as if he has disappeared from the earth or at least from cyberspace.

Chris,

That solves the mystery! Thanks. I should have googled it.

It turns out the recording is a direct match of S.214, the 2nd of 3 Caprice-Valses

http://imslp.org/wiki/File:TN-Liszt_Musikalische_Werke_2_Band_10_89.jpg

A caprice it is, free flowing in character at the beginning indeed. Though not the type of Capriccio Bach would be liable to write

Interesting is that he rehashed material from his 210, though the Valse is different in 210 the melody in the waltz comes in on the first beat, but here it is on the second beat, creating a kind of syncopated dance like sensation. I have heard of several classical composers who have reused material for earlier works. Off the top of my head, Schumann is one I can think of. I guess its inevitable if you play it all the time and it gets stuck in your head...

Shame about Helling. Maybe someday he will return to cyberspace (and contribute on the forum like a good lad )