Area of Study

3 Dance Music

Listening Questions

Area of Study
3 Dance Music

1- How many beats are there in a bar?

2- What type of group is playing the music?
3- Name 5 instruments that you can hear
4- Describe the speed of the piece
5- What type of dance do you think this is?

Area of Study
3 Dance Music

When
End of the
18th Century
(1770s)

Where
Vienna (Austria)

Waltz

Area of Study
3 Dance Music

Composers
Johann Strauss

Venue
Ballroom

Background

Developed from Austrian & German folk dances

First dance where couples had close contact
o
Upper class were outraged by this

Waltz

Area of Study
3 Dance Music

Extended arm

Mans hand on
womans back

Danced by
partners in a
close embrace
More ambitious
steps can be
introduced such
as spins and turns

Area of Study
3 Dance Music
Womans hand on
mans shoulder

Graceful and
elegant

Three step sequence

1- Forward or backwards
2- Step to the side
3- Step to close feet together

Describe the movements of the waltz

Area of Study
3 Dance Music

Waltz

Characteristics
- 3/4 time

- An accent on the first beat of the bar.

-An um-cha-cha pattern.
- Balanced
phrasing.
- A moderately fast
tempo
- Smooth, flowing
melodies.
- Slow harmonic
pace
- Simple
harmonies
- A melody with accompaniment

Area of Study
3 Dance Music