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Details
STRAUSS, Johann II (1825-1899). A fine autograph letter signed to 'Herr Brock', Vienna, 8 December 1895, on how to write a walz, black ink, 4 pages on a bifolium, 8vo (175 x 113mm). (minor creasing).
A fascinating letter giving a remarkable insight into what Strauss considers necessary for a walz. He opens the letter by saying that it is not so easy to make an even halfway practical walz from the theme of an operetta in 3/4 time, as what you will have is no proper Viennese walz but a series of melodies in 3/4 time. A walz needs a theme of real character with contrasts and a variety of orchestral colour. Other parts of the operetta theme are only possible for a polka or mazurka. It must never be forgotten, he goes on, that a walz is performed by an orchestra for dancing and if it does not have enough rhythm to dance to it will be ignored. He ends by asking Herr Brock to forgive his frankness but he is trying to save him from an unfortunate experience.
A fascinating letter giving a remarkable insight into what Strauss considers necessary for a walz. He opens the letter by saying that it is not so easy to make an even halfway practical walz from the theme of an operetta in 3/4 time, as what you will have is no proper Viennese walz but a series of melodies in 3/4 time. A walz needs a theme of real character with contrasts and a variety of orchestral colour. Other parts of the operetta theme are only possible for a polka or mazurka. It must never be forgotten, he goes on, that a walz is performed by an orchestra for dancing and if it does not have enough rhythm to dance to it will be ignored. He ends by asking Herr Brock to forgive his frankness but he is trying to save him from an unfortunate experience.