[Classics] Famous waltzes: recommended popular pieces
Introducing a selection of famous waltzes all at once! From classic staples to lesser-known gems, we’ve picked a wide range.
The true charm of the waltz lies in its 3/4 time, doesn’t it? That distinctive meter creates such a romantic atmosphere.
Whether in major or minor keys, it’s captivating music.
This time, it’s a special feature on waltzes! You might even discover something like, “I didn’t know there was such a great piece!” We’ve selected pieces across various styles, so be sure to read to the end!
- Famous German Folk Songs | That familiar tune in Japan was actually a German folk song?!
- Polka masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- [Nostalgic Collection] Classic oldies masterpieces. Recommended popular songs
- [2026] Iconic musical numbers: from the latest releases to timeless classics!
- Cool! Introducing classic masterpieces of Argentine tango
- Also great as café music! Introducing famous tunes to savor the charm of musette
- [Famous Songs of the World] A curated introduction to soul-stirring popular Latin mambo tracks
- Chanson masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- [Western Music] The World of Power Ballads: A Collection of Must-Listen Gems to Start With
- [Tango] Famous Tango Songs: Recommended Popular Tracks
- Masterpieces and history of folklore: An introduction to traditional music of the South American Andes
- [2026] A Guide to Country Music: From the Latest Hits to Classic Favorites
- Everything is stylish! Popular music in France
[Classical] Famous Waltzes: Recommended Popular Pieces (31–40)
Waltz, Op. 65 No. 6Sergei Prokofiev
The sixth piece from the collection of 12 miniatures, Music for Children.
Around 1935, when this piece was composed, the Soviet Communist Party demanded that artists produce works that were clear and accessible, while also encouraging the creation of “artistically excellent works” for children.
In an environment where works that deviated from these expectations were harshly criticized, Prokofiev assembled a set of small pieces with classical, easily graspable folk-like ideas, while peppering them with musical elements characteristic of his own style.
In this piece, over an accompaniment that beats out a cheerful waltz rhythm, a melody marked by leaping intervals unfolds as if whirling into dance.
Gold and SilverFranz Lehár
An orchestral piece by the Hungarian composer Franz Lehár.
It was composed around the 1902 carnival season for a ball hosted by Pauline von Metternich, a noblewoman of Austria-Hungary, themed “Gold and Silver.” At this ball, the venue was illuminated in silver, golden stars sparkled on the ceiling, the walls were adorned with gold and silver decorations, and attendees are said to have worn costumes embellished in gold and silver.
Its elegant and resplendent melodies evoke the atmosphere of the balls of that era.
schoolgirlÉmile Waldteufel
This is a representative work by the 19th-century French composer Émile Waldteufel.
In his twenties, Waldteufel was not particularly well known, but after performing before Edward VII, his name quickly spread throughout Britain, and he also gave a command performance for Queen Victoria.
Thus, in his late thirties he rose to international fame, and it was during this prime period that this piece was written.
Although the Japanese title is “The Schoolgirl,” the original meaning is “The Students’ Band Waltz,” and it does not refer specifically to women.
It is a cheerful, lively waltz that incorporates Spanish folk melodies.
Swan Lake Act I: WaltzPeter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Swan Lake, one of Tchaikovsky’s three great ballets.
The ballet was conceived based on the fairy tale “The Stolen Veil” by the German writer Musäus, and tells the love story of Odette—transformed into a swan by a demon’s curse—and Prince Siegfried.
The waltz is performed in Act I during the corps de ballet scene where village maidens dance to celebrate the prince’s coming of age.
It is one of the most famous of Tchaikovsky’s waltzes, offering a richly varied musical character.
Waltz No. 11 in G-flat major, Op. 70 No. 1Frederic Chopin
One of three waltzes that were not published during Chopin’s lifetime and were released posthumously as part of a collection compiled by his friend Fontana.
This waltz, in ternary form, conveys the character of a mazurka—specifically an oberek.
Despite its brevity, it has distinct features: an anacrustic opening, frequent use of ornamentation, and occasional leaps of a tenth in the melody.
It begins lightly, and in the middle section shifts dramatically to an elegant atmosphere—an archetypally Chopinesque trait that is well displayed in this piece.
[Classical] Famous Waltzes: Recommended Popular Pieces (41–50)
Grand WaltzFrederic Chopin
Among the waltzes composed by Chopin, the Polish composer known as the “poet of the piano,” this is one of the most famous.
When Chopin came to Vienna from Warsaw, the waltz was in vogue there.
This piece was written after his visit to Vienna and is among the works most influenced by the Viennese waltz.
It features a characteristically light waltz rhythm and a brilliant melody, making it a very approachable piece.
Emperor WaltzJohann Strauss II
A work by Johann Strauss II, known as the “Waltz King.” It was originally titled “Hand in Hand,” but since both German Emperor Wilhelm II and Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph attended a performance of the piece, it came to be called the “Emperor Waltz.” The piece begins with a march rhythm, but after a cello solo it shifts to a lively waltz melody.
A light, sprightly waltz rhythm and the brilliant timbre of the wind instruments resound.