Favourite Waltz or Waltz-like Sections in Larger Works

[Opus106]

It can be a movement labelled as a waltz or it can be a section from a scherzo, say, which is a waltz in all but name (even if you're the only person who thinks so ). It can represent the joys of life or it can be a dance of hopeless defiance. Orchestral, chamber, orchestral, solo piano, or even orchestral works *hint-hint* -- anything goes. Whatever catches your fancy, please post it here. For example, Sarge recently pointed out a melodic waltz-like section from a for Suk piece called Fantastic Scherzo. While during initial listening I found the piece to be a bit too repetitive in general, I liked the "memorable waltz tune" a lot. (Thanks, Sarge.)

I already found a thread with waltz suggestions from works written in the 20th century and later; however, in this thread, I would like to push the Point A slider back a bit, to the mid-Romantic era. (No minuets, please. Oh, and let's also leave the Strauss family out of this.) If a thread covering the same topic already exists and if you know where I can find it, please post a link.

Now, if you are ready, 1-2-3...

[Brian]

The scherzo of Mahler 1 popped into my head when I clicked on this, but really the answer has to be the third movement from Dvorak's Eighth, which is gorgeous and also totally perfect. Ahhh, bliss.  0:)

[Opus106]

but really the answer has to be the third movement from Dvorak's Eighth, which is gorgeous and also totally perfect. Ahhh, bliss.  0:)

One of my favourites. And I'm especially looking out for parts like that: colourful orchestration, folk influences and, of course, the triple meter. (But don't let that stop you from posting solo piano- and chamber pieces.)  I'm going to listen to the Harnoncourt, now.

[Sergeant Rock]

I love the waltz that breaks out at the climax of the development in the first movement of Nielsen's Third. Nielsen teases us with fragments, false starts and really builds the tension until it's finally released in one of the most glorious waltzes I've ever heard. It only lasts a minute, but it's my favorite single minute in classical music. The perfect recorded realization of that is Bernstein's.

Sarge

[Opus106]

I love the waltz that breaks out at the climax of the development in Nielsen's Third. Nielsen teases us with fragments, false starts and really builds the tension until it's finally released in one of the most glorious waltzs I've ever heard. It only lasts a minute, but it's my favorite single minute in classical music. The perfect recorded realization of that is Bernstein's.

Sarge

I heard the symphony for the first time only two days ago, although I didn't pay much attention it then, I must add. I'll revisit it during the weekend. Thanks.

[not edward]

This one's easy for me: La valse.

[karlhenning]

I love the waltz that breaks out at the climax of the development in the first movement of Nielsen's Third. Nielsen teases us with fragments, false starts and really builds the tension until it's finally released in one of the most glorious waltzes I've ever heard. It only lasts a minute, but it's my favorite single minute in classical music. The perfect recorded realization of that is Bernstein's.

Very nice example, Sarge!

The 'menuet' movement of the Prokofiev Seventh is a charmingly nostalgic waltz.

And (you knew I was going to mention this one) in the middle of the third movement of the Shostakovich Fourth, the mad-cap galop yields to a beguilingly relaxed waltz.

[karlhenning]

This one's easy for me: La valse.

That's a stand-alone work, which I think doesn't fit the OP's request . . . ?

(Great piece, though!)

[Sergeant Rock]

I heard the symphony for the first time only two days ago, although I didn't pay much attention it then, I must add. I'll revisit it during the weekend. Thanks.

Oh yes, do listen again. It's a great symphony. The waltz tune is big and gaudy, with whooping brass, not elegant...a tune that would be perfect for a carousel.

Sarg

[Opus106]

This one's easy for me: La valse.

Don't stop with just one. No one's asking about the Greatest here.

That's a stand-alone work, which I think doesn't fit the OP's request . . . ?

Not a problem; being a stand-alone piece only makes it easier to locate compared to parts embedded within larger works, that's all.


Thanks for the contribs.

[karlhenning]

I heard the symphony for the first time only two days ago, although I didn't pay much attention it then, I must add. I'll revisit it during the weekend. Thanks.

Nav, you'll enjoy this one gradually getting under your skin.  It plays so shrewdly against form ("The final grand utterance of a composer known for a series of symphonies!!!") that it is apt to puzzle just about anyone on an initial hearing.  But I find it one of Nielsen's most brilliant scores.

[Opus106]

Nav, you'll enjoy this one gradually getting under your skin.  It plays so shrewdly against form ("The final grand utterance of a composer known for a series of symphonies!!!") that it is apt to puzzle just about anyone on an initial hearing.  But I find it one of Nielsen's most brilliant scores.

I didn't find it difficult, per se; it's just that I was too engrossed doing other things. In fact, after "listening" to it, the positions of Complete Symphonies sets on The List were upped a bit.

[DarkAngel]

Tchaikovsky Symphony 6  - 2nd movement

Classic waltz melody with a dark twist.......
listen below the surface and hear sadness and apprehension. Picture dancing with your love for the last time knowing you will never see them again

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wCEgHz8YGQ&feature=related

[Sergeant Rock]

And (you knew I was going to mention this one) in the middle of the third movement of the Shostakovich Fourth, the mad-cap galop yields to a beguilingly relaxed waltz.[/font]

Oh yes    ..I think I'll put that on right now.

Sarge

[Opus106]

Tchaikovsky Symphony 6  - 2nd movement

Classic waltz melody with a dark twist.......
listen below the surface and hear melancholy and apprehension. Picture dancing with your love for the last time knowing you will never see them again

He has many of them. The second movement from the Serenade for Strings an all-time favourite of mine, but which is far removed from the mood of the 6th. It is however interesting to note that this is not a waltz in the traditional sense due to its use of a then-unconventional rhythm pattern.

[Sergeant Rock]

Tchaikovsky Symphony 6  - 2nd movement

Classic waltz melody with a dark twist.......
listen below the surface and hear sadness and apprehension. Picture dancing with your love for the last time knowing you will never see them again

You have a most appropriate username 

Sarge

[Franco]

I was listening to arrangements by Alban Berg of Strauss waltzes and am strongly considering ordering this disc:

[vandermolen]

Last movement of Atterberg's 5th Symphony which, coincidentally, I happen to be listening to at the moment.

[oabmarcus]

I was listening to arrangements by Alban Berg of Strauss waltzes and am strongly considering ordering this disc:

i don't know why anyone in their right mind would try to re-arrange Strauss' Waltzes. They are perfect creations, you just don't touch them.
on a related note, the other day i heard a horrible arrangement of "Luxury train" polka by Strauss II, why? oh, btw, here it is, for your listening pleasure/torment:
http://tnli.naxosmusiclibrary.com/mediaplayer/flash/http-fplayer.asp?br=64&tl=206876

[karlhenning]

i don't know why anyone in their right mind would try to re-arrange Strauss' Waltzes.

So that you can play them with a smaller and differently constituted ensemble.  The act is actually one of affection, not of 'correction'.