I (like many fiddler’s of my generation) learned Skater’s Waltz from Mark O’Connor’s Learn to Play Texas Fiddle Video Series. I think it was put out some time around 1984. It also included Soppin’ the Gravy and Wild Fiddler’s Rag. (Neither of which have I recorded yet.)
I don’t play it exactly like I learned it way back then, but I think I could if I tried. I remember hearing an orchestra play Skater’s Waltz not too long after learning it, and thinking that they were playing it wrong. I was kind of silly as a teen.
Skater’s Waltz according to Wikipedia – Les Patineurs (waltz)
Les Patineurs Valse or The Skaters Waltz or Die Schlittschuhläufer-Walzer (German), Op. 183, is a waltz by Émile Waldteufel.
Known in English as The Skaters’ Waltz, it was composed in 1882 and was inspired by the Cercle des Patineurs or ‘Rink of Skaters’ at the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. His introduction to the waltz can be likened to the poise of a skater and the glissando notes invoke scenes of a wintry atmosphere. The other themes that follow are graceful and swirling, as if to depict a ring of skaters in their glory.[citation needed] Bells were also added for good measure to complete the winter scenery. It was published by Hopwood & Crew and was dedicated to Ernest Coquelin who was the younger brother of two celebrated actor brothers of the Comédie Française.
What’s with the “swimming” video effects? Just want to emphasize that it’s bedtime?
Just having a little fun. I was thinking that it was more of skating video effects, but I can see how it could be construed as swimming. 🙂
Lovely musical performance !
Thanks, Michael.
How do you decide which instrument to play?
I have my regular fiddle, which I play the most. That one belonged to my Great Grandpa, Joseph Wickam. And, I have a couple of others that I play regularly when the mood strikes me. 🙂
Very nice…i first heard this on Mark’s Soppin’ the Gravy cd
That was definitely an excellent version.