Topic Two (1.2): Waltzing
Objectives for this topic
This topic will explore the concept of the Waltz, its history and the unique features associated with this form of dance music. You will learn how to identify the typical time signature of Waltz music, as well as learn about the history behind the music and why its time signature is important. Waltz should be considered as the music and dance form combined, as the music was originally written to accompany this style of dance.
Instructions
Begin by using the website to explore the history and origins of this dance form. Add the findings of your research to the Time Signatures Research resource you completed in Topic 1. Make notes about the key features related to tempo also.
EXPLORE – Waltz (MusicTheoryAcademy.com) Links to an external site.
Now, have a go at creating a simple melody line 8-bar composition for the words, in 3/4 time:
There was a - puppy it - had golden – hair
It loved its - ball to be - thrown in the – air
Write your composition in the Staves Lines for Composition document.
DOWNLOAD – Stave Lines for Composition Download DOWNLOAD – Stave Lines for Composition
Review
- Where did the slow waltz first originate and from which dance?
- Have you listened to different examples of waltz music, e.g. slow, modern and Viennese?
- Have you noted the tempo range that is typical for a slow waltz? How does this differ from other forms of waltz?
Support activity for this topic
Create a melody for these words, in 3/4 time:
There was a - puppy it - had golden – hair
It loved its - ball to be - thrown in the – air
Write your composition in the Staves Lines for Composition document, maintaining the same note, but concentrating on writing the rhythm to equal three crotchet beats in a bar. This could be, for example, three single crotchets or a dotted minim, both adding up to the values of three crotchets.
DOWNLOAD – Stave Lines for Composition Download DOWNLOAD – Stave Lines for Composition
Extension activity for this topic
The waltz can come in different forms. One well-known example is the Viennese Waltz, as seen here on Strictly Come Dancing:
In this example, the song used is not a traditional piece of classical music. It is in fact a folk/pop song used effectively to dance the Viennese Waltz. Can you now research the similarities and differences between the Slow and Viennese Waltz? You could add this to your research sheet also.
Use these clips as a starting point for your research, as well as using your own independent research to find the differences in the tempo of both.
WATCH – How to Dance the Viennese Waltz (YouTube) - BBC It Takes Two Links to an external site.