About the piece
Johann Strauss II wrote it in 1867; originally a choral piece, it quickly became Vienna's most famous waltz. Every year it closes the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year's Concert.
This version presents the main theme: melody in the right hand and the classic waltz accompaniment in the left.
How to practise it
- The left hand does the waltz step: bass on beat one, lighter chords on two and three.
- The melody climbs up the D major chord: learn the first four bars well.
- Think “in one”: a single pulse per bar, for lift.
- It is short: great as a first piece to play from memory.
Free sheet music
First page. Complete sheet music (PDF) on the Mutopia Project (CC BY-SA 4.0, edition by Nikos Kouremenos); in the Piano Learning app you read it two pages side by side while you play.
Frequently asked questions
Is it the complete version?
No, it is the main theme; the full orchestral waltz has five waltzes and a coda.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, the theme is approachable after a few months of study.