The Blue Danube Waltz (main theme)

Description

This is an arrangement of the famous opening waltz theme from Johann Strauss II's The Blue Danube, Op. 314. The original was first performed in 1867 as a choral waltz for the Vienna Men's Choral Association, and became known worldwide through the orchestral version that followed. Today it is cherished as one of the pieces that stand for Austria.

The original theme is in D major, but this arrangement moves it to C major, so it can be played with hardly any black keys. It is in 3/4, lasts about 40 seconds and has 247 notes, built on the familiar theme that climbs through a broken chord again and again. The range runs from B2 up to C6, so every note fits on a 61-key keyboard.

It is rated intermediate. The notes themselves are few, but the Viennese character depends on a particular lilt - a deep first beat with the second placed a touch early. First learn it in strict, even triple time, then add the lilt while repeating the melody with the A-B loop. Checking how melody and accompaniment are divided between the hands with the hand colours makes the feel of the beat easier to grasp.

Waltzes in elegant triple time, including Chopin's concert waltzes alongside works by a range of other composers.