Famous Music from the Romantic Period
Part 3 (c.1820–1900)
Tales From The Vienna Woods
by Johann Strauss II (1825–1899)
“Tales from the Vienna Woods” (German: Geschichten aus dem Wienerwald, Op. 325) is a waltz by Johann Strauss II, composed in 1868. Famous for its virtuosic zither part, the waltz evokes the folk music of the Vienna Woods.
The piece features a long, lyrical introduction, solo passages for violin and zither, and multiple waltz sections in various keys, building to a climactic finish with brass, cymbals, and a snare drum roll. Its lively melodies and distinctive instrumentation have made it one of Strauss’s most beloved waltzes.
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Nocturne op.9 No.2
by Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849)
The Nocturnes, Op. 9 are a set of three solo piano pieces by Frédéric Chopin, written between 1831 and 1832 and dedicated to Madame Marie Pleyel. This was Chopin’s first published set of nocturnes, with the second piece becoming one of his most famous works.
Known for its expressive freedom, the second nocturne features a flowing left-hand accompaniment of steady eighth-note arpeggios, while the right hand moves with flexible, polyrhythmic patterns. Written in ternary form, it contrasts a lyrical opening theme with a middle section before returning to the original material, ending in a delicate Picardy third.
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Hungarian Dance N4
by Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
The Hungarian Dances (German: Ungarische Tänze, WoO 1) are 21 lively pieces by Johannes Brahms, composed between 1869 and 1880 and based mostly on Hungarian themes. Originally written for piano four hands, many were later arranged for solo piano and other ensembles.
Brahms was inspired by the folk and “gypsy-style” music he encountered while performing with the Hungarian violinist Ede Reményi. These dances, ranging from about one to five minutes each, became some of his most popular and financially successful works.
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Rêverie
by Claude Debussy (1862–1918)
Rêverie, composed in 1890 by Claude Debussy, is a gentle and lyrical piano piece that showcases simple yet captivating melodic charm. Although Debussy himself later criticized it as hastily composed, the piece became widely known and has been transcribed for violin, cello, and piano four hands.
The first public performance was given on 27 February 1899 by pianist Germaine Alexandre. Its dreamy melody has inspired popular adaptations, including Larry Clinton’s My Reverie and a synthesized version by Isao Tomita in his album Snowflakes Are Dancing.
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