What is a waltz but a musical excuse to get close to someone you love? Of course, Johann Strauss Jr.’s melodies are wonderful to appreciate plutonically, but the act of waltzing used to be seen as so romantically scandalous that the dance was once banned in many areas of the world.
If you’re hoping to sweep a beau off their feet, try putting a Strauss spin on things and ask for a dance set to one of these five romantic Viennese waltzes:
Voices of Spring - Frühlingsstimmen, Op. 410 (1882)
It’s hard not to smile when this waltz starts playing, and what’s more romantic than unbridled happiness? This melody evokes a feeling of new beginnings, youthful flirtation, and the whimsy of spinning carefree on a carousel.
Vienna Blood Waltz - Wiener Blut, Op. 354 (1873)
How could a waltz written to celebrate a wedding not be romantic? Wiener Blut commemorates the marriage of the Emperor Franz Joseph I's daughter Archduchess Gisela Louise Maria and Prince Leopold of Bavaria. (For the purposes of this article, we’ll ignore the fact that the archduchess was 16 and that Prince Leopold, 26, was her second cousin…)
Roses from the South - Rosen aus dem Suden, Op. 388 (1880)
Roses are romantic and so is this waltz! This medley is, in part, themed around Act 2 romance Where the Wild Rose Blossoms (Wo die wilde Rose erblüht) from the operetta The Queen's Lace Handkerchief (Das Spitzentuch der Königin). With romance at its root, no wonder this Strauss number makes us want to take a loved one by the hand.
Emperor Waltz - Kaiser Walzer, Op. 437 (1889)
This waltz was originally titled “Hand in Hand.” If we stop there, it sounds more romantic than it truly was: this piece was intended as a symbolic friendly “toast” between Austria-Hungary and the German Empire. Upbeat and triumphant, the theme of togetherness comes through with a romantic twist.
Wine, Women and Song - Wein, Weib und Gesang, Op. 333 (1869)
This song title could easily be a list of Johann’s “romance essentials,” but it was actually commissioned for the Vienna Men's Choral Association's annual “Fools' Evening.” The title was inspired by the Martin Luther adage: "Who loves not wine, women and song remains a fool his whole life long."
The Blue Danube - An der schönen blauen Donau, Op. 314 (1866)
Yes, we promised "five" romantic waltzes, but we're giving you six! The Blue Danube is, of course, a given on any Strauss-lover's list. The song was borne from political strife, but its intent was to instill a feeling of hope and joy. Sometimes overshadowed by its prevalence in popular culture is the romantic beauty of this intensely famous and beloved waltz.
If you can’t wait until Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert Season to break out your charm, we suggest you fish out the “Best of Strauss” album or add these tunes to your playlist, throw on something spiffy, and ask someone you fancy, “Would you like to dance?”
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