waltz

[A shortened term of Ger. walzer =a jig, a waltz, from walzen =to roll, to revolve, to waltz; cogn. with A. S. wealtan =to roll, to twist.] Music: 1. A dance said to have originated in Bohemia, now of almost universal adoption. It is performed by couples, who, almost embracing each other, swing round the room with a whirling motion. 2. The music composed for such a dance. The time is of triple measure in crotchets or quavers, and consists of eight or sixteen bar phrases. Modern waltz-writers frequently add to the original dance form an introduction and coda. The "Vienna" waltz is characterized by a rapid movement and strict unbroken time. Landler are slower and more dignified than the waltz. "Cla ical waltzes" are compositions in waltz-form intended for set pieces, not for dance tunes. In them greater scope is given to the composer and performer than is compatible with the rhythm of the dance.