Pete’s Waltz was written by Pete Martin. I first heard Pete’s Waltz when Pete Martin played it at Weiser in the early 1990’s, but I didn’t work it out until about 10 years later when one of my fiddle students learned it from Daniel Carwile.
Pete’s Waltz is a beautiful tune that is as tough to play as it sounds. I ran into Pete at Weiser this last year, and he said, “If I had known that so many people were going to want to play it, I would have made it harder.”
There aren’t too many fiddle tunes that are in Eb and Ab, which makes Pete’s Waltz unique, and a bit of an extra challenge for those who mostly play in G and D. And, for me, it make it a little bit more interesting.
Pete’s Waltz according to Fiddler’s Companion
PETE’S WALTZ. American, Waltz. Composed by Pete Martin, who also composed “Darin in the Woodpile.”
I love the tone of that fiddle, Vi. The melody is beautiful too.
Thanks, Deborah. That violin is an 1879 George W. Fisk. And, it is for sale if you're interested. It has a beautiful smooth bass tone.
Awesome! That has to be one of the tougher ones in the book! My 12 year old aspires to do Daniel's version…someday.
Pete Martin really knows how to write a beautiful tune (and a tricky one at that.) I'm sure your 12 year old will get there.
Pete Martin really knows how to write a beautiful tune (and a tricky one at that.) I'm sure your 12 year old will get there.
lovely performance !
Lovely performance !
It's pretty, and it's a toughy. 🙂 Pete Martin really knows how to write a waltz. He will be teaching lessons on My Talent Forge soon…