Peek-A-Boo Waltz

Developed from a French folk dance, the Minuet originated in France in the 17th century. In Austria and Bavaria, the Minuet evolved into the Waltz, a dance also in 3/4-time with a heavy accent on the 1st beat. As this new dance spread through Europe, it faced strong disapproval by the older generation because of how close the dancers would hold each other throughout the form.

The waltz craze made its way to the Americas by the 1830s. In the mid-1800s, Austrian composers Lanner and Strauss created a Waltz sensation in European classical music, while at the same time, the folk-fiddlers of the Americas had already started what would become and remain a tradition in American music. The American Waltz had already become popular in Boston, the Spanish Waltz was growing in California and the new Canadian Waltzes were becoming a hallmark. “Peek-a-Boo Waltz” (composer unknown) was published in 1881 by William J. Scanlon, a vaudeville singer. The tune became a staple in the repertories of many Canadian fiddlers during the last century.

Download this tune and more, at Mark O'Connor's Digital Audio Store.

From Book II of the O'Connor Method.
www.oconnormethod.com