This piece was written in the 1950s by Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich. It was lost until it was revived in the 1980s (Shostakovich died in 19750 and is now a really popular piece, because of its great melody.
What makes this a waltz?
- 3 beats in a bar
- Oom-cha-cha (bass note – chord – chord) accompaniment
- Contrasting sections in different keys (listen for how it starts minor and then goes into a major key, and back again)
- Long, lyrical melodies
- Expressive rallentandos (slowing up)
This piece was used in the films Eyes Wide Shut, Batman v Superman (Dawn of Justice) and Bad Santa.
Hayes Music blog 