[Classics] Famous waltzes: recommended popular pieces

schoolgirlÉmile Waldteufel

Waltz “Les Patineurs (The Skaters)” — Émile 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.

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Waltz No. 4 in F major “Kitten Waltz”Frederic Chopin

Chopin Waltz No. 4, Op. 34-3 — Minute Waltz [Chopin Waltz No.4 Op.34-3]

Also known as the “Kitten Waltz” for its lively character, the Waltz No.

4 in F major, Op.

34 No.

3 conjures up an adorable scene of kittens darting around at play.

It is often chosen for recitals and competitions and is beloved for its strong performance impact.

Like the well-known “Minute Waltz,” Waltz No.

6 in D-flat major, Op.

64 No.

1, its tempo is brisk and the melody whirls by rapidly.

Although it isn’t as famous as the “Minute Waltz,” it is one of Chopin’s representative waltzes and a piano piece well worth knowing alongside it.

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Grand WaltzFrederic Chopin

Fuzjko Hemming — The Grand Waltz (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.

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Emperor WaltzJohann Strauss II

Emperor Waltz, composed by Johann 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.

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Beyond the billowing wavesJuventino Rosas

Waltz “Over the Waves” (Juventino Rosas) / Вальс Над волнами (Хувентино Росас)

A waltz composed by the Mexican composer Juventino Rosas.

From a young age, Rosas made his living by taking on all kinds of music-related jobs.

He was largely self-taught in composition and led orchestras and brass bands on international concert tours.

This piece is characterized by an elegant and bright tone that calls to mind the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The timbres of the flute and harp seem to depict sunlight reflecting on the water’s surface.

Because of its brightness, the piece is often used as background music in amusement parks and leisure facilities.

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