Vienna in the 19th century was infected by a real waltz fever that could be found at all levels of society and resulted in innumerable compositions. The most famous waltz composer, also known as the “Waltz King”, was Johann Strauss (1825–1899), who made a major contribution to the worldwide success of the so-called “Viennese waltz”.
In the Explora composition “Ein Strauss für Dich / Flowers for You” Thomas Berghoff tries to recreate the characteristically Viennese form of the waltz and to apply the inimitable “Viennese charm” to a level of difficulty suitable for beginners.
After the introduction (Moderato), bar 15 marks the beginning of the proper waltz tempo (Tempo di Valse). With the upbeat to bar 29 a further motif offers the possibility of phrasing in beautiful melodic passages. New themes, introduced in bars 53 and 68, finally lead into a coda after bar 84 and thence to the end of the waltz.
Have fun with these waltz melodies à la Johann Strauss !
eXplora Grade 1+
eXplora Disc 09