What are the meter and rhythm of the waltz? Lecture-concert "waltz as a musical genre". Message about the waltz

Monotonous and crazy
Like a young whirlwind of life,
A noisy whirlwind swirls around the waltz;
Couple flashes after couple.

(“Eugene Onegin” by A.S. Pushkin)

Perhaps thanks to these lines from the novel “Eugene Onegin” by A.S. Pushkin, you guessed that our meeting today is dedicated to the eternal symbol of romanticism, this living, flying, poetic, flexible, gentle dance called WALTZ.

How musical genre Waltz lived an eventful life. Hundreds of composers have composed waltzes, many of them have been written, tens of thousands, maybe even a million; no one has calculated this anywhere. But let’s imagine that there is a “waltz museum”; we go there on an excursion to get acquainted with the most interesting, most diverse “exhibits”.

Humanity has been dancing since time immemorial. Already in rock paintings, created several thousand years ago, there are images of dancing people. And in the works of painting and sculpture that have come down to us Ancient Greece and Rome, Ancient Egypt And China's dance stories are endless. And next to a person dancing, a person is often depicted playing, with a musical instrument in his hands. Music and dance – inseparable friends, dance without music is almost unthinkable. Dancing without music is like dancing without water. From ancient times to the present day, people have been dancing - on holidays or just on free evenings, having fun at ease or participating in ceremonies. Many centuries ago, dances could be seen both in rural squares, where peasants twirled to the simple accompaniment of homemade instruments, and in magnificent palace halls, accompanied by trumpets, viols or an orchestra. Most of these dances have survived to this day in one form or another.

The fate of Austrian dance is interesting Landler. This paired circular 3-beat dance takes its name from the Austrian region of Landal. IN early XIX century, it moved from the countryside of Austria and Germany to city halls. They began to dance him at balls and gradually he became famous and beloved by everyone. Waltz.

There are no eternal dances. Sooner or later, their rhythms lag behind the rapid pace of life. The time for the waltz has passed. It is danced very little, and then not in everyday life, but as a ballroom dance. And yet he is alive. Classical music preserved it for humanity. Capturing, with the help of a waltz, his era - golden for music of the XIX century, she raised his common, everyday intonations to the level of high art, for which the change of eras is not only not scary, but also helps to see the value of his creations.

Piano waltzes by Chopin, Schubert, Liszt, symphonic “Waltz – Fantasy” by Glinka, ballet and symphonic waltzes by Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, as well as various arrangements for many popular instruments– all this belongs to the treasury of musical classics.

Now the waltz “The King of Vienna Waltz” by Johann Strauss “Voices of Spring” will sound.

Waltz – in German “Walzer”, which means “rotational”, “dance - spinning”. In the old days, the Germans also called this same dance “roller” - “kruzhenets” or “dreer” - “vertenets”. The names are different, but the meaning is similar. Why are all the words German? Because, according to its ancient origin, it is a German peasant dance. By the way, it was once called that way: “Deutscher” - “German” or “Lendler” - “peasant”. Here are two more interesting names for the waltz: “spinner” - “spinner” and “shleifer” - “grinder”. They also hint at rotational movements. But in these names interesting feature there are - they are imitative. The movements of the waltz, it turns out, once imitated the work of a spinner and a grinder. People, it turns out, enjoy repeating the dance movements that they see around them. In the end, all the names were forgotten, only one remained - Waltz- a dance that is danced in pairs, spinning, spinning.

Let's spin together in this gentle and poetic dance. Now the Russian waltz will sound. For Russian composers, the waltz is not only a dance, but also a way of conveying various feelings and moods. So, the “Melancholy Waltz” by A. Dargomyzhsky sounds.

The path of the waltz to universal recognition was not easy. The aristocratic and bourgeois environment found much in the new dance unacceptable. The movements of the waltz were considered indecent: has it ever been seen that a gentleman in front of everyone would hug a young lady and press her to him... Terrible! As one French journalist said, “the limit of obscenity and obscenity.” There were official and unofficial protests against the waltz. In Vienna in the first decade of the 19th century, it was forbidden to dance a waltz for more than ten minutes. In Russia, the waltz was also persecuted. Catherine the Second disliked him, and under Paul the First a police order was published prohibiting “the use of the dance called walsen.”

But the prohibitions did not help, and the waltz spread throughout Europe, as one treatise said, “like an epidemic of the common cold.” The waltz microbe turned out to be terribly contagious. End of the 18th century. Vienna is the capital of Austria. On the throne - no matter what the emperor's name was, truly on the throne Waltz. The waltz is danced by everyone, everywhere. The great composer V.A. Mozart, also a Viennese, laughs: “It’s funny to see how people begin to walk in circles in the German way to any tune, even if it’s not at all suitable.” A visiting foreigner notes in his diary: “The whole city, from the washerwoman to the nobleman, is spinning, there is some kind of dancing disease in the waltz!”

Soon, in the 19th century, an epidemic called “Waltz” swept the whole world. How did those sick with the waltz feel? Slight dizziness, a feeling of happiness, some kind of poetic oblivion. And persistent reluctance to be treated. Moreover, there were composers who did everything possible for worldwide distribution Waltz.

Many Russian composers turned to this genre. He was part of social life. The ability to dance and play the waltz was a sign of good upbringing. The waltz was so popular that it was composed and performed not only by composers, but also by poets. An example can be “Waltz” by the Russian playwright, poet and musician A.S. Griboedova. In fact, this waltz is the first Russian instrumental waltz that has survived to this day thanks to its artistic merits. He is popular, well-known and loved by the widest circles of music lovers. So, “Waltz” by A. Griboyedov sounds.

Here is a new milestone on the clock of history: the 20th century, and with what ease, with what freshness the waltz fights. Our program will continue with the ancient waltz “Autumn Dream” by the English composer Archibald Joyce. Having started his career as a dancer, he, having organized his own dance group, which became one of the most popular in the country, began composing music. These were mainly waltzes, which gave their author an honorary title of the English Waltz King. In 1909, Archibald Joyce toured Europe as a conductor. It is quite possible that it was then that he visited Russia, where his waltzes, especially “Autumn Dream,” were loved and remembered. Numerous editions of the sheet music of waltzes and records with their recordings were published in huge numbers in Russia. At the same time, in the pre-revolutionary years, the first song versions of the waltz “Autumn Dream” appeared. Now we will hear this waltz “Autumn Dream” by Archibald Joyce.

Plays in the city garden
Brass band.

(waltz song
M. Blanter and A. Fatyanov
“In the city garden”)

This was the wonderful tradition of Russian musical life: military brass bands played in city gardens and parks in the summer. Their repertoire consisted of works of so-called “garden music”: overtures and suites, fantasies and marches, polkas and waltzes, which were so pleasant to listen to while sitting a little further away on a bench or walking along the alleys of the garden. The so-called “old Russian waltzes” gave a special charm to these concerts, one of the most popular of which is the waltz “On the Hills of Manchuria” by I. Shatrov. This work was written by the military conductor Ilya Alekseevich Shatrov. After graduating from the Warsaw Conservatory, he was appointed bandmaster of the Mokshansky Rifle Regiment. In 1904–1905, this regiment was on the fronts of the Russian-Japanese War and took part in the grandiose battle of Mukden, where the losses of Russian troops were especially significant. It was then that Shatrov wrote his waltz “The Moksha Regiment on the Hills of Manchuria,” dedicated to the memory of the fallen. And now we will be transported with you to that garden, to that year and listen to that very waltz.

This was probably the first “dance epidemic” in the history of world culture that swept the world for such a long time. The waltz swirled first Vienna, and then all of Europe. The waltz genre is becoming so popular that it penetrates into different national cultures. This is how the waltz appeared in Tatar music. An example can be “Waltz” by the Tatar composer Khusnulla Valiullin.

in the world symphonic music we can find relatively simple dances, transformed by the hands of master composers into fascinating orchestral pieces. Perhaps the first place among these masters is occupied by the famous Austrian composer, nicknamed in his time “the king of waltzes” Johann Strauss - son, so as not to be confused with Strauss - father, also Johann, also a composer, author of more than 250 waltzes, polkas and other dances.

Father and son divided the 19th century between themselves, the father worked in the first half of the century, the son in the second. Having known not only fame, but also all the vicissitudes of the fate of the musician’s profession, which at that time did not enjoy much respect, Strauss’s father was against music lessons son. But Strauss, the son, went against his father’s will, and even surpassed him in all respects: he lived 30 years longer, was, without a doubt, much more talented and composed twice as many dances - almost 500.

The popularity of Johann Strauss's son's brilliant, sweeping, exciting dances was truly incredible. His waltzes were danced everywhere - in imperial palaces and small taverns, danced in houses, on streets and squares. All of Europe went crazy over Strauss’s “Viennese Waltzes.” It is difficult to name a composer who managed to captivate the aristocracy with his music and at the same time become a favorite composer in the most wide circles ordinary people. When the name Strauss is mentioned, a smile always appears on the face - people expect something bright, cheerful, and exciting.

At the end of our meeting, we will hear “Waltz” by Johann Strauss from the operetta “Die Fledermaus”, captivating with the variety of dance rhythms and the beauty of the melody.

Our tour of the “Waltz Museum” is coming to an end. I would like to add to the above that the waltz genre is not outdated in our time. Every year in Vienna Christmas balls are held, at which the symbol of the holiday is precisely Waltz. Socialites gather there famous people from the world of cinema, theater, and who are ardent fans of this beautiful dance. We hope that you will join them. Thank you for your attention.

(from German Walzen - to circle, rotate), a romantic ballroom dance in three-beat time, consisting of a smooth forward twirling of couples, as well as music for this dance.

Having heard the waltz, you will never be mistaken and will not confuse it with other dances. Thousands of songs sound in waltz rhythm. Symbol romantic love, the waltz is immortalized greatest composers of all countries and times: Strauss, Schubert, Lehár, Glinka, Weber, Chopin, Tchaikovsky. They introduce waltz melodies into their operas and piano works.

Waltz as a dance knows no competitors. Having appeared, it was a huge success in all layers of society and created a real sensation in numerous ballrooms.

It is believed to have originated from an Austro-German folk dance Landler and French volts at the end of the 18th century. True, the Landler was performed very slowly, and the Volta, on the contrary, quickly, with jumps and aerial supports, but both of these dances consisted mainly of turns ( rotations).

The characteristic feature and charm of the waltz lies in the continuous and smooth whirling of dancing couples combined with a general movement in a circle ( dance lines). With its spontaneity, liveliness and simplicity, the waltz brought a light stream into aristocratic salons with their ceremonial, cutesy and pretentious minuets And gavottes. Although the waltz, like most ballroom dances of that time, originated from folk dancing, he met resistance from aristocratic circles who dictated the ballroom repertoire. The waltz replaced the prim relationship between gentleman and lady, conditioned by strict etiquette, with direct communication between partners. The waltz was considered an indecent, indecent dance: “what is it like to grab a lady by the waist and spin around the hall with her!” (“Russian Bulletin”, 1878) The waltz was the most romantic dance, and the proximity of the dancers was conducive to tender explanations. Won't such a dance shake the moral foundations of society? The dance was truly persecuted. The fight against the waltz was carried out officially and was irreconcilable; many orders were issued to ban it.

Waltz: Lithograph by F. von Reznicek. 1908

In the first decade of the nineteenth century. In Vienna it was forbidden to waltz for more than 10 minutes. Conservative English society adopted the waltz a quarter of a century later than most others. European countries.

In Russia, the waltz appeared during the reign of Catherine II, but did not enjoy the approval of the empress. Under Emperor Paul I, “the use of a dance called valsen” was officially prohibited. Only Alexander I gave the highest approval to the waltz, personally performing a round of the dance on one of the courtiers points.

The waltz was traditionally performed as the second dance at a ball and was often a direct continuation polonaise. Waltzing may seem simple to some, but you need to practice a lot so that the couple’s movements feel light and graceful.

It was impossible to stop the spread of the waltz. The popularity of the waltz was facilitated by Viennese composers and conductors: Lanner, Johann Strauss the Father and especially Johann Strauss-son who gave the world more than 400 waltzes.

Large dance halls were opened especially for the waltz, which could accommodate up to 3,000 couples! The waltz conquered not only outgoing, but also newly emerging, fashionable dances.

The entire 19th century passed under the symbol of the graceful, flying, passionate waltz; it was danced everywhere, in all circles of society; he penetrated into many genres of professional music: opera, ballet, symphony, suite, his music acquired its own specific meaning. The waltz influenced the development of the whole European music XIX and XX centuries

The waltz changed and developed and, as a result, gave rise to new dances, such as slow waltz , Waltz-Boston, as well as “hybrid” dances ( Waltz-Mazurka, waltz-gavotte etc.) A threesome waltz was popular ( aleman) and a waltz in two steps, popular in Russia.

True, the history of the waltz has also known temporary downturns. Appearance polkas How ballroom dance in the 40s of the XIX century. slightly reduced interest in the waltz. But gradually an unspoken tradition was established in all European capitals: the first ball must include a white dress, tuxedo and a waltz!

French valse, from him. Walzer, from walzen - to twist one's legs in a dance, to spin; English waltz, italian valzero

Pair dance based on smooth circling combined with forward movement; one of the most widespread household musical genres, firmly established in professional music European countries. The musical size is three-beat (3/4, 3/8, 6/8). The pace is moderately fast.

The name "waltz" appeared in the 70s. 18th century as a designation for the folk peasant dance of some regions of Southern Germany and Austria (the same as Ländler, or “German dance”).

With penetration into the city (primarily Vienna) dance moves and the waltz music becomes smoother, the tempo becomes faster, a bright emphasis is determined on the first beat of the measure, the rhythmic formula

Since the beginning of the 19th century, the waltz has been the most popular dance in all strata of European society. The development of the waltz took place especially intensively in Vienna. The flourishing of the Viennese waltz is associated with the work of J. Lanner, J. Strauss the father, and later his sons Joseph and especially Johann, nicknamed the “King of the Waltz.” I. Strauss the son developed the favorite waltz form of his father and Lanner, which usually consisted of 5 waltzes. (“Walzerkette” - “chain of waltzes”) with introduction and coda, enriched the waltz in terms of rhythm, harmony, and instrumentation. The waltzes of J. Strauss are characterized by a slight shortening of the first beat during performance, and a gradual acceleration of the tempo during the transition from the introduction to the waltz itself. His most famous waltzes are: “The Beautiful Blue Danube”, “Tales of the Vienna Woods”, “ Spring voices". In addition to the Viennese waltz, they were widespread various options French waltz, which consisted of three parts of different tempos and in size not only 3/4, but also 3/8, 6/8. Waltzes are widely popular French composer E. Waldteufel. In the 20th century, a new type of waltz appeared - the Boston waltz, which came to Europe from North America in the 20s (also called English waltz, slow waltz, see Boston).

The early waltz, which differed little from the ländler, or “German dance,” was translated into music Viennese classics(J. Haydn, W. A. ​​Mozart, L. Beethoven). F. Schubert, who improvised his waltzes during dances, gave the first examples of poeticization of the genre, often turning waltzes into lyrical miniatures. The form of Schubert's waltzes - a simple two-part or (less often) three-part - is typical of early waltzes. Such waltzes were often combined into series and suites. Schubert's traditions in the field of waltz were continued by R. Schumann ("Butterflies" and "Carnival" for piano) and J. Brahms (16 waltzes for piano 4 or 2 hands, op. 39, "Waltzes of Love" and "New Waltzes of Love" for vocal quartet, as well as for piano 4 hands).

The tendency to transform the waltz into a large concert instrumental work, noticeable already in the waltzes of I. N. Hummel (“Dances for the Hall of Apollo” for piano - with trio, reprise and coda, op. 31, 1808), finds full expression for the first time in “Invitation to the dance" by K. M. Weber (1819). Overcoming the suite style, Weber, based on the waltz, creates an expanded play with an introduction and coda, imbued with a single poetic idea. This trend is reflected in Viennese waltzes I. Strauss son. Waltzes by F. Chopin, F. Liszt approach the poetic genres of romantic music, combining lyrical and poetic expressiveness with elegance and brilliance, sometimes virtuosity.

Waltz penetrates into many types of instrumental and vocal music. In a symphony, it sometimes takes the place of a minuet (Berlioz's Symphony Fantastique, Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony). In opera, in addition to mass dance scenes (Faust, Eugene Onegin), the waltz is used as the basis for solo vocal episodes (Romeo and Juliet by Gounod, La Traviata by Verdi, La Bohème by Puccini, etc.). The waltz is widely used in ballets (L. Delibes, P. I. Tchaikovsky), in operetta, especially Viennese (I. Strauss son), and later in film music.

The characteristic features of the waltz - lyricism, grace, plasticity in combination with a typical rhythmic formula are found in many themes in the works of composers of the 19th century (F. Chopin, I. Brahms, G. Verdi, P. I. Tchaikovsky, etc.). Such themes allow us to talk about waltzing as their genre feature.

The waltz genre has been developed in many national music schools(waltzes by E. Grieg for piano, “Sad Waltz” by J. Sibelius, etc.); it acquired special significance in Russian music - from the early experiences of amateur and everyday music-making (waltz by A. S. Griboyedov for piano, Russian everyday romance) to classical examples of poetically enriched symphonic and concert waltz (M. I. Glinka, P. I. Tchaikovsky, A. K. Glazunov, A. N. Scriabin, S. V. Rachmaninov).

IN symphonic creativity P.I. Tchaikovsky's waltz serves as a generalized, poetic expression of ideas about beauty and the value of life. This tradition develops in the waltzes of S.S. Prokofiev (Pushkin's Waltzes, the opera War and Peace, the ballet Cinderella, etc.).

A short story about the waltz for children will tell you a lot of interesting things about this famous dance. Also, a message about the waltz can be used to prepare for classes.

Message about the waltz

What is a waltz in music?

Waltz - this is a dance that is performed at weddings, proms, Viennese balls. The classic waltz is characterized by the following features:

• Rhythmic and fast structure. The rhythm of waltz steps goes like this: “One, two, three. One, two, three."
• The partner places his hand on the partner's waist. The woman puts her hand on her partner's shoulder. Free hands complete the waltz figure.
• Airiness, grace and lightness in every movement.
• Each measure of the waltz includes 3 beats. This is called the three-beat time signature in which the dance movements are performed.
• The waltz is performed in a closed position: partners stand facing each other. The woman is standing a little to the right.

History of the Waltz

The waltz is by no means an ancient type of dance. If compared with the chime or allemande, the waltz is very young: its age is no more than 2 centuries. But the details of the origin of the dance are unknown. One version says that the ancestor of the waltz is the fast-moving German Walzer. According to another version, it originated from the three-beat dance of Austrian and German peasants - Ländler. It was danced in pairs in a circle. It seemed quite simple, but the dance contained elements of the future waltz - moving in a circle, touching the waist with a partner and kneeling.

Over time, the waltz entered aristocratic circles, at social receptions and balls. At first he was not received very warmly. In 1816, the waltz dance was included in the ballroom dancing at court. Confessors and religious leaders considered him shameful and depraved, violating the norms of morality and morality, devoid of chastity. They labeled the waltz obscene and vulgar and decided that it was not worthy of decent society. A similar attitude towards dance was observed throughout Europe.

However, the waltz managed to survive. It was enthusiastically received by the bourgeoisie, spreading the dance in social dance salons among the townspeople. Perhaps the waltz would have remained “not accepted” in the highest circles if not for the work of composers of the Romantic era (for example, Lanner and Strauss). In the 19th century, refined waltz music gave impetus to the further development of waltz choreography. She acquired lightness, grace and beauty. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the waltz was adopted at court. It was especially popular during the reign of Queen Victoria.

Species waltz

Waltz dance is quite diverse. It has gone through many modifications over its history. Today there are many varieties of this dance. The most common are:

• The Viennese waltz is impetuous, fast, light and graceful.
• The English waltz is restrained, elegant, requiring good technique and discipline. It is characterized by changes of tempo, fermatas and pauses.
• Tango-waltz. Combines elements of waltz and tango. Another name is Argentine Waltz.
• Figured waltz. This dance is included in the program of sports ballroom dancing. Characterized by fulfillment large quantity strict elements.

We hope that the message about the waltz helped you prepare for the lesson. And your short story You can leave your comments about the waltz using the comment form below.

The history of the waltz goes back a little over two hundred years. By contemporary standards, this is a very young and youthful dance, which is fully reflected in its character, impetuous, light and cheerful. But he attracts the eye not only with his energy. The waltz is literally imbued with romance, which is felt in every movement of the dancers. It is not for nothing that it is the main dance at a wedding. To deserve such a “status”, this dance direction I had to go through a lot. We invite you to find out what exactly.

The history of the waltz and many interesting facts Read about this dance on our page.

The name of the dance comes from the German word “walzer”, which means to whirl or spin. The basis of the waltz is precisely the smooth, continuous whirling of the couple with simultaneous movement around the hall. Usually, beginning dancers are asked to mentally imagine a large square along which they will have to waltz. But this is not the only feature of the dance.

The classic waltz is characterized by:

fast and rhythmic structure. “One, two, three. One, two, three” - this is how the rhythm of waltz steps beats out;

trilobed time signature. This means that each measure includes three beats on which movements are made;

the dance is performed in a closed position, with partners facing each other. In this case, the woman is positioned slightly to the right;

one hand of the man is on the waist of his partner. She, in turn, puts her hand on his shoulder. With their free hands, the dancers close the figure to perform the waltz;

lightness, airiness and grace in every movement.

Waltz refers to ballroom dancing, that is, it is performed by two people - a man and a woman. If earlier it was danced at balls, now at special events and competitions. European program sports ballroom dancing necessarily includes slow and Viennese waltzes.

Popular waltzes

Fryderyk Chopin "Waltz No. 10". This is a real confession of a young and talented composer. The melody was written by him at the beginning of his creative career, when he met Konstantia Gladkovskaya. The nineteen-year-old boy for a long time did not dare to approach and meet the charming person, so music became his salvation from the excess of overwhelming feelings.

Fryderyk Chopin “Waltz No. 10” (listen)

P.I. Tchaikovsky "Waltz of the Flowers"(ballet " Nutcracker "). This composition, written in waltz rhythms, is rightfully considered the author’s most famous work. It is known even to those who have never been to the ballet - a touching, gentle melody sounds in the Soviet cartoon “The Nutcracker”.

P.I. Tchaikovsky “Waltz of the Flowers” ​​(listen)

E.D. Doga "Wedding Waltz"(from the movie “My Affectionate and Gentle Beast”). It took just one summer night for Evgeny Dmitrievich to write a waltz composition of mesmerizing beauty. It combines romance and tragedy - the two main feelings that accompanied the heroine of the film, Olga Skvortsova. The melody is still considered the most famous among the film waltzes written by Soviet composers. It is often chosen as the first dance of newlyweds.

E.D. Doga “Wedding Waltz” (listen)

I.O. Dunaevsky "School Waltz". It was this melody that symbolized the end of school Soviet schoolchildren. The song was written in 1950. The composer was inspired to write it by a letter from a Voronezh school graduate. She and her classmates could not write a song that would express words of gratitude to their teacher. Isaac Osipovich could not either. Instead, he wrote “School Waltz”, which was played in every school, and not just in one Voronezh.

I.O. Dunaevsky “School Waltz” (listen)

The history of the waltz or “O times! Oh morals!

This expression, uttered by the ancient Roman thinker Marcus Tullius Cicero, perfectly describes the moment of the birth and development of the waltz. Aristocrats and church leaders considered it indecent and shameful. The prim English were especially indignant. How is it possible to hug a young lady around the waist in front of everyone! Therefore, for almost the entire 19th century, the waltz was banned at European balls. Even Catherine II did not recognize him.

The opinion of the higher ranks cared little about the common people, among whom the waltz arose. Auerbach Lev Davydovich, Soviet musicologist, dates his birth to the 70s of the 18th century. At the same time call the only country, guilty of “corrupting” society, is impossible. The origins of the waltz can be traced to at least three national dances:

Czech furiant - a real performance where a proud young man pulls a girl to him by the waist and begins to dance with her to cheerful songs;

French Volta is couples dance, which is characterized by various turns;

the Austrian landler was originally a matchmaking ritual, but later turned into fast dance, where the young man spun the girl he liked around him.

It turns out that the waltz owes its appearance to many dances. However, Austria is considered to be its capital due to the greater similarity of the dance steps to the Ländler.

It is noteworthy that Furiant, Volta, and Landler - folk dances. That is, they were danced in hamlets and villages at various holidays. How did they get to the imperial court? Its spread among the upper echelons of society was helped by the Archduchess of Austria Maria Theresa. She liked the landler so much that she decided to move him to the luxurious halls of her palace. Thus, the founder of the waltz found himself in the center of attention of European nobles. High society morals began to be replaced by simplicity of movements and freedom of expression of feelings. Gradually the dance changed, turning into the version that people still talk about today.

Time restrictions, a complete ban, all kinds of persecution - all this happened in the history of the waltz. Bye secular society criticized the waltz, it was enjoyed by the French bourgeoisie and other segments of the European population who were far from the whims of the aristocrats. Even the Americans managed to adopt it.

At the same time, dance had a strong influence on the development of various musical genres: opera , ballet , suite. Beautiful and magnificent melodies were composed especially for waltzing couples, which became world classics.

The waltz gained complete freedom in 1888 thanks to Wilhelm II, the last German emperor. Now lovers could enjoy their favorite dance without a shadow of embarrassment and endlessly spin around the magnificent halls.

Currently, interest in the waltz is not as bright as in old times. This dance is of more interest to professional dancers and real aesthetes. Schools and separate studios are being created where anyone can learn how to perform waltzing movements. Used in concerts and competitions dance groups. At the same time, many dance teachers love the waltz for its compatibility with other genres - the result is a beautiful performance where history is intertwined with modernity.

Interesting facts

Waltz literally tied the knot between Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy and Sofya Andreevna Bers. The fact is that the count still could not decide to propose to his beloved. Languishing in indecision in Sofia Andreevna’s house, he made a wish: if her younger sister Tatyana sang the top note well in Arditi’s waltz “Kiss,” he would immediately propose. Tanya did not disappoint - after 5 minutes Sonya became the bride of the great writer.

During the Great Patriotic War composers did not forget about waltzes, setting touching music to poetry by poets. “In the forest near the front” by M. Blanter, “Song about a flashlight” by D. Shostakovich, “In the dugout” by K. Listov are some examples of compositions written in this genre to raise morale.

The English poet George Byron spoke ironically about the waltz at the beginning of the 19th century. He even composed a poem of the same name, where he ridiculed fashion trends.

Writing waltzes under the influence of sensory experience, love and tenderness was in the spirit of Fryderyk Chopin. on his creative path Several charming muses met: Konstancia Gladkowska, Delfina Potocka and Maria Wodzinska.

The play “Dog Waltz,” known to many, has nothing in common with the genre stated in the title. The composition is more similar in size to a polka.