Perry Knize tells the story of Chopin’s B Minor Waltz in her book Grand Obsession. She plays it here (in the background as the website opens).
In the opening theme, Chopin has learned his closest friend has died … the theme is repeated with more rubato ( :44). Then the second theme … a cry of protest and sadness as he expresses his pain in recalling their love for each other and what great friends they were ( 1:27). The middle section is lighter & sweeter (key change to B Major) recalling their happy times, an innocent and carefree past ( 2:02). Finally, the opening theme is repeated twice as the realization of death returns. The piece closes with a slow sigh.