What is waltz music?

Waltz, a graceful ballroom dance in triple time, or music suitable for such a dance. The slow, elegant dance form is said to have originated with Alpine peasants of Carinthia and Styria in the 16th century, and there is evidence that it existed in Switzerland and Bavaria by the 17th century.

From its beginning as a folk dance, the waltz came to be accepted in aristocratic society when introduced by the French Empress Eugénie in the early 19th century. Its popularity continued to grow throughout Europe and the Americas, and it remains one of the most popular ballroom dances today.

Waltz music is typically characterized by a gentle 3/4 time signature, with the first beat accented. It is often accompanied by string instruments, such as violins, violas, and cellos, and by woodwinds, such as clarinets and flutes.

Waltzes can be either instrumental or sung. Some of the most famous waltzes include "The Blue Danube" by Johann Strauss II, "Waltz of the Flowers" from Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker, and "Fascinating Rhythm" by George Gershwin.