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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

  

This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

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