Waltz

How it is used

Used for pieces in 3/4 time or with a clear one-two-three feel. Common in classical, folk, and popular music, both for dancing and listening.

Example sentences

1. The pianist opened the recital with a slow waltz that gave the audience a clear three-beat pulse from the first bar.

   Here, waltz names the piece type and signals its triple-meter motion, which shapes how listeners feel the rhythm immediately.

2. For the film scene, the composer chose a dark waltz instead of a march to make the ballroom feel elegant but uneasy.

   In this example, waltz refers to a stylistic choice whose graceful turning rhythm creates a specific emotional atmosphere.

Common collocations

• slow waltz
• Viennese waltz
• waltz rhythm

Related terms

• genreA category of music with shared features such as rhythm, instruments, harmony or history, for example jazz, rock, hip-hop or classical music.
• classical musicThe tradition of Western art music, including symphonies, concertos, operas and chamber music, usually written down in detailed scores and performed by trained musicians.

More terms: Genres and Styles

• cover
• jazz
• folk music
• pop music
• hip-hop
• ballad
• recitative
• swing