Waltz was a kind of music related to the theme of dance. It replaced elegant but artificial court dance in the old days and reflected the spirit of the new era. Viennese Waltz slightly anticipated the second beat of each measure, making it sound as if the third was late and creating a certain buoyancy. It was popular in Europe, especially in Vienna, because no matter nobility or common people, they liked music and dances. In addition, Johann Strauss I and his son Johann Strauss II were the important musicians in this genre. Waltz was originated from a triple meter folk dance in Austria, and initially regarded as vulgar dance. It gradually introduced into the city because the influence of the French Revolution. Relaxing and
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Its second beat was played slightly ahead, which gave additional drive and energy to the swing of dance. This was known as “Anticipate beat”! Without this, the Viennese Waltz music became boring and dull, regardless of how attractive melody it had.
Johann Strauss II would sometimes break up the one-two-three of the melody with a one-two pattern in the accompaniment along with other rhythms, maintaining the 3/4 time while causing the dancers to dance a two-step waltz. The metronome speed for a full bar varies between 60 and 70, with the waltzes of the Johann Strauss I often played faster than those of his sons. (Wechsberg, 59-61)
Johann Strauss II’s most prestigious Waltz was "The Blue Danube". In 866, Austria was defeated in Austro-Prussian War and Viennese people fell into despair. Johann Strauss II wrote “The Blue Danube” in order to comfort these people. Initially, it was a male chorus, but maybe people did not understand the meaning of the lyrics, the response to premiere was not good. Therefore, Strauss adapted it to the orchestra, and it gradually became popular. Strauss also did not feel optimistic about the song in the beginning, but after the Paris Exposition of 1867, he got attention and the song got the reputation of the "second national anthem" and “Strauss highest masterpiece". "The Blue Danube" was the ultimate work showing Viennese
Its second beat was played slightly ahead, which gave additional drive and energy to the swing of dance. This was known as “Anticipate beat”! Without this, the Viennese Waltz music became boring and dull, regardless of how attractive melody it had.
Johann Strauss II would sometimes break up the one-two-three of the melody with a one-two pattern in the accompaniment along with other rhythms, maintaining the 3/4 time while causing the dancers to dance a two-step waltz. The metronome speed for a full bar varies between 60 and 70, with the waltzes of the Johann Strauss I often played faster than those of his sons. (Wechsberg, 59-61)
Johann Strauss II’s most prestigious Waltz was "The Blue Danube". In 866, Austria was defeated in Austro-Prussian War and Viennese people fell into despair. Johann Strauss II wrote “The Blue Danube” in order to comfort these people. Initially, it was a male chorus, but maybe people did not understand the meaning of the lyrics, the response to premiere was not good. Therefore, Strauss adapted it to the orchestra, and it gradually became popular. Strauss also did not feel optimistic about the song in the beginning, but after the Paris Exposition of 1867, he got attention and the song got the reputation of the "second national anthem" and “Strauss highest masterpiece". "The Blue Danube" was the ultimate work showing Viennese