Waltzing through Winter

One, two, three, one, two, three...that's the rhythm of the waltz. The rhythm of my life the last few weeks as I prepare music for some spring weddings.  The waltz dance is one of the most common dance forms but here is something really interesting I read about them waltzes: "The waltz isn't just a dance. It caused a social revolution when it first became popular in Vienna in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. "You must understand that in those days, in the 19th century, it was one of the first dances where dancers were allowed to hold each other close. " Back then it was very provocative!

Maybe that is what is making me feel obsessed with playing these simple but lovely melodies.  I am drawn to the social revolution in music. Growing up in the tumultuous 60s, that makes sense. But not only that, the music is so pretty.  Listen to this haunting Swedish waltz, "Josefin's Dopvals" played on the Nykelharpa.  

Then there is the Irish Waltz, "If Ever You Were Mine."  Can you blame me for playing these tunes over and over again? These tunes stay with me all day. There is something so comforting about simple melodies and music that is intended to be danced to.  I've always loved music that serves some kind of purpose--that is not just ornamental or only for entertainment. It serves to move people --physically, emotionally and socially as in the revolution!

That's where I've been lately.  Have you danced a waltz lately? My cat Jasper likes for me to waltz with him. One, two, three.. here I go again.