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Sample sheet music

Title	Accelerationen Walzer
Category	Concert/wind/brass band
Subcategory	Concert waltz
Instrumentation	Ha (concert/wind band)
Format	PrtStm (full score and parts)
Publisher's article no.	KL 2108
Year of publication	2011
Price	149.00 EUR (incl. 10 % Austrian VAT)
Composer	Strauss, Johann Sohn
Arranger	Schweiger, Peter
Opus no.	Op.234
Difficulty level	4
Evaluation level of countries	A4 (Austrian D level); PWM-at (Literaturliste Polka, Walzer, Marsch)
Duration	8:40
Additional info/contents	The Acceleration Waltz, Op. 234, was composed in 1860 and premiered on February 14th of that year in Vienna's Sophiensaal. The work was dedicated to the Engineers' Ball of the students of engineering at the University of Vienna and reflects the spirit of the age of industrialization. Peter Schweiger's arrangement for wind orchestra makes the work accessible to the modern wind band scene. His arrangement emphasizes the sonic diversity of the wind orchestra, particularly the mechanical stamping of the introduction, and implements the accelerando through an increase in volume and tempo. The waltz sections retain their clear melodic lines and harmonic accompaniment. (he)
Sample sheet music	click here
Sample score	click here
Sound sample
Video sample
External link	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skoA0IbXFhU
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Programme notes: The Acceleration Waltz by Johann Strauss II: A Historical and Musical Analysis with Special Consideration of the Arrangement for Wind Orchestra by Peter Schweiger The Acceleration Waltz, Op. 234, by Johann Strauss II is among the composer's most innovative works and reflects the spirit of the age of industrialization. The work was composed in 1860 and premiered on February 14th of that year in the Sophiensaal in Vienna. The premiere took place on the occasion of the Engineers' Ball for students of engineering at the University of Vienna, which underscores the waltz's close connection to technological modernity. The genesis of the Acceleration Waltz is marked by a popular anecdote claiming that Strauss received the inspiration for the work during a visit to a steam engine factory. The rhythmic thumping of the machines is said to have inspired him to create the characteristic sounds of the introduction. Strauss himself, however, denied this story in a letter to the composer Peter Cornelius. He emphasized that the musical idea was not based on a direct observation of machines, but rather represented an artistic interpretation of technological progress. Musically, the Acceleration Waltz is characterized by several distinctive features. The introduction is marked by a stamping, mechanical-sounding rhythm reminiscent of the clattering of machines. This section culminates in a sudden accelerando, marking the transition to the first waltz section. This change of tempo is a rarity in waltz music and lends the work a dynamic tension. The formal structure of the waltz follows the classical five-part form, with the individual waltz sections linked by contrasting melodies and harmonic shifts. The meticulous development of the themes and the nuanced instrumentation underscore the musical quality of the work. Peter Schweiger's arrangement for wind orchestra Peter Schweiger's arrangement of the Acceleration Waltz for wind orchestra is of particular importance, as it makes the work accessible to the modern wind band scene. Schweiger's arrangement emphasizes the sonic diversity of the wind orchestra and highlights the mechanical stamping of the introduction through the use of low brass and percussion. The accelerando is achieved through a gradual increase in volume and tempo, making the acceleration acoustically palpable. The waltz sections are characterized by clear melodic lines in the woodwinds and harmonious accompaniment in the brass, while maintaining the tonal balance of the original. In the tradition of Viennese waltzes, the Acceleration Waltz stands out through its programmatic concept and technical innovation. While other works by Strauss, such as "The Blue Danube" or the "Emperor Waltz," are more lyrical and dance-oriented, the Acceleration Waltz uniquely combines industrialization and music. It demonstrates Strauss's ability to incorporate social currents into his compositions without sacrificing danceability and musical elegance. The interpretation of the Acceleration Waltz by wind orchestra demands precise articulation and a keen sense of dynamic nuances to convincingly portray its characteristic acceleration. Conductors must pay particular attention to the interplay between wind and percussion instruments to clearly delineate the rhythmic structure and continuously build tension throughout the work. Furthermore, the complex instrumentation places high demands on tonal balance, as the timbres of the woodwind and brass sections must be carefully harmonized. Schweiger's arrangement offers diverse possibilities for sonic shaping, blending the original waltz feel with modern sonic means. For ensembles, this opens up new perspectives in their repertoire, particularly with regard to demanding concert programs that aim to integrate both traditional and innovative works. In summary, the Acceleration Waltz is a masterpiece of program music in the waltz genre. Its history, its dedication to the engineers of the Vienna Academy of Music, and its musical representation of technological progress make it a cultural document of industrialization. Peter Schweiger's arrangement for wind orchestra underscores the work's relevance and flexibility, enabling a new listening experience that unites traditional and modern elements. Text: musicainfo.net (KI) Quellen/Sources: Wikipedia: Accelerationen WJSO: Johann Strauss (Sohn) - Accellerationen / Walzer op. 234 (1860) Franz Mailer "Johann Strauß", kommentiertes Werkverzeichnis, Seite 10. Pichler Sachbuch

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