Waltzes

Despite its rustic roots in the early eighteenth century, the waltz became quite trendy in up-scale Vienna by the 1780’s. From there it spread around the western world, developing into distinct national styles, including ragtime and jazz waltzes in the US. It also became a standard in operas and ballets of the nineteenth century. Johann Strauss Jr., known as the Waltz King, wrote close to 150 waltzes intended for dance use and also incorporated the waltz into his operettas, including the famous Die Fledermaus.