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Tutor Takayuki Charette 's Column

The Mystery of the Viennese Waltz

Aug 15, 2022


Hello everyone, I am Stephen Takayuki Charette, the orchestral conductor.

Today I would like to share a question from one of my students, Nori.

 

A question from Nori

This is a question to the musician Takayuki Charette.

As a Japanese person, When I listen to the waltz in Die Fledermaus, I can’t hear the 3 beats.
The 2nd beat seems long to me. Why is this?”

 

Have you ever noticed this unique rhythm of the Viennese waltz?

This question was so interesting that I created an original video to answer the question.
I even compared the performances of both Seiji Ozawa and Carlos Kleiber. 

 

Please check it out!

 

The videos used in this channel are linked below for your reference.

 

Johann Strauss II - Die Fledermaus / Wiener Philharmoniker

 

Seiji Ozawa- New Year's Concert 2002

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dp73Jzypw8

 

Carlos Kleiber - New Year's Concert 1989

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HDmIFT0pHY



 

If you have any questions or opinions, please post them to the "教えてスティーブン (Suggestion Box)".
I will also answer any questions that come to my attention in my tutor’s column or even on Stephen’s Channel.

 

 
 

Thank you!

Stephen T. Charette

  

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