waltz (Ger. Walzer; Fr. valse). Dance in 3/4 time probably deriving from Ger. Ländler which came into prominence in last quarter of 18th cent. both among composers and in the ballroom. Where the latter was concerned, the waltzes of the Viennese composers Johann Strauss I and Lanner were popular throughout Europe. Beethoven, Schubert, and Hummel wrote waltzes. Weber's Invitation to the Dance is in waltz rhythm and is the first ‘sophisticated’ treatment of the waltz. Chopin's waltzes are fine examples. In symphonic mus. the 2nd movt. of Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique and 3rd movt. of Tchaikovsky's 5th sym. are outstanding. Tchaikovsky also wrote great waltzes in his operas and ballets; and those by Johann Strauss II, Richard Strauss (Der Rosenkavalier), Ravel, and others are deservedly cherished.

waltz / wôlts/ • n. a dance in triple time performed by a couple who as a pair turn rhythmically around and around as they progress around the dance floor. ∎  a piece of music written for or in the style of this dance. • v. [intr.] dance a waltz: I waltzed across the floor with the lieutenant. ∎  [tr.] guide (someone) in or as if in a waltz: he waltzed her around the table. ∎  [intr.] move or act lightly, casually, or inconsiderately: you can't just waltz in and expect to make a mark it is the third time that he has waltzed off with the coveted award. PHRASES: waltz Matildasee Matilda² .DERIVATIVES: waltz·er n. ORIGIN: late 18th cent.: from German Walzer, from walzen ‘revolve.’

waltz, romantic dance in moderate triple time. It evolved from the German Ländler and became popular in the 18th cent. The dance is smooth, graceful, and vital in performance. The waltz in Vicente Martin's opera Una cosa rara, produced in Vienna (1776), is regarded as the first Viennese waltz. This type was later made famous by the two Johann Strausses, father and son. The younger Strauss composed the Blue Danube Waltz, the most popular of the Viennese style. The waltz was introduced in the United States via England in the early 19th cent. Mozart, Chopin, Berlioz, Brahms, Richard Strauss, and Ravel have also composed waltzes.

waltz Dance performed by couples to music in triple time. This graceful ballroom dance came into fashion in the early 19th century, having developed during the previous century from south-German folk dances, such as the Ländler.

waltz sb. and vb. XVIII. — G. walzer the dance, f. walzen roll, revolve, dance the waltz, f. Gmc. *walt-, extension of *wal- roll.

waltz •Hals • rinkhals • valse • else • grilse •false, waltz •convulse, dulse, pulse •impulse