The Blue Danube
About this arrangement
Strauss first wrote the waltz for a men's choir. The Vienna Men's Choral Association sang it on February 15, 1867, with words by Joseph Weyl; the more serious lyrics used today were written later by Franz von Gernerth. The main waltz tune in the original is in D major.
Count one-two-three in every bar and lean slightly on beat one. Learn the left-hand waltz pattern alone before adding the tune.
Start with short loops.
Use the section list as a practice map. Start at 50% tempo, loop one section, then return to the full piece once the hand shape feels stable.
Choose Right or Left to focus on one hand. Wait for note checks the highlighted notes as you play them on the screen or a connected MIDI keyboard.
Before you practice.
01 Is The Blue Danube good for a beginner?
This arrangement is. It is in C major, uses only the main waltz tune and has few notes per bar.
02 How long is it?
It is 43 bars in 3/4 time.
03 What should I practice first?
The left hand. A waltz needs a steady bass on beat one and lighter chords on beats two and three.
04 Did The Blue Danube have words?
Yes. It was first performed in 1867 as a piece for male choir, with words by Joseph Weyl.