Wiener Dreivierteltakt

• Composer: Johan Wagenaar
• Arranger: Anton Weeren
• Instrumentation: Concert Band
• Duration: Ca. 11 min.
• Difficulty: Grade 6

Johan Wagenaar wrote this beautiful waltz with the subtitle: “Rythme de la vie viennoise – Viennese” as a parody of the Viennese waltzes. It is a relatively unknown composition by Wagenaar (opus 38), but it can certainly be called one of the pearls of his oeuvre. Wiener Dreivierteltakt is full of rhythmic and harmonic jokes and ingenuity. Every instrument has a solo moment, so every orchestra member will certainly get their due share. An extensive orchestra with double parts for oboe and bassoon, as well as additional instruments such as English horn and harp, is ideal for performing this piece as beautifully as possible. Despite the requirements, it is definitely worth including in the program.

Watch and listen: