The Skaters’ Waltz, Op. 183 (In French “Les Patineurs”; in German "Der Schlittschuhläufer-Walzer") is a waltz composed by Émile Waldteufel in 1882.
- Composed by French composer Émile Waldeteifel, originally for orchestra.
- Arranged for piano solo by Clint Su.
- In 1882, Waldteufel was inspired by the cercle des patineurs (rink of skaters) at the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. This piece is in the Viennese waltz form, consisting of an introduction, four small waltzes, and a coda. The music vividly picturizes skating scenes, with each section resembling a ballet on ice.
- In the introduction, the gentle melody of the French horn outlines the winter scenery; the first theme of the first small waltz is broad and smooth, resembling the graceful movements of skaters. The second theme emphasizes the rhythm with eighth notes, fully displaying a light and lively mood. The first theme of the second small waltz depicts the jumping movements through the ascending melody, large leaping intervals, with a cheerful and powerful mood, showing the agile leaps of the skaters. The first theme of the third small waltz, played by the strings, relaxing and leisurely, and the subsequent second theme is light and lively, forming a contrast. Then the orchestra plays the fourth waltz, which is as soft and sweet as a breeze. The following cadenza depicts the dazzling movements of the skaters. After the cheerfulness, the music enters the ending, reprising the first waltz and finally concluding in a warm atmosphere.
- Full video available on YouTube; audio available on mainstream music platforms
