GCSE Music 

Waltz. A paired dance.

 

What? A romantic paired dance in triple time (3/4)

Where? Vienna, Austria.

When? Romantic period, 1800s

Who? Johann Strauss I, Johan Strauss II.

Tempo Fast 180bpm. Tempo Rubato. Rhythm3/4. Strong accent on first beat. Slightly anticipated 2nd beat. Um Cha-cha rhythm.

Instruments

Romantic orchestra. strings, brass, woodwind, Timpani / percussion.

The Dance

Close hold, paired, rise and fall, rotating.

Venue / Location - Ballroom.

Structure

Strauss II wrote long waltz pieces with five or more melodies. Each one in binary or ternary form.

 

 

AoS3 Waltz - Traded Tips

 

Tempo - Fast. 160-180bpm. Tempo Rubato.

Rhythm - Um cha cha. Second beat anticipated.

Articulation - Strong accent on first beat of bar.

Dynamics - Full range of dynamics.

Expression - Romantic, legato melodies, Rubato.

Devices - Long introductions to prepare dancers.

 

Texture - Melody with accompaniment.

Instruments - Full Romantic Orchestra. Also written for piano.

Pitch - Smooth melodies, not usually large leaps.

Structure - Often contain multiple melodies: ABCDE etc

 

Other...Vienna, Paired Dance, Close Hold. Strauss.