Émile Waldteufel - The Skater’s Waltz, Op. 183

Les Patineurs or The Skaters or Die Schlittschuhläufer Op. 183, is a waltz by Émile Waldteufel (1837 - 1915). 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. Bells were also added for good measure to complete the winter scenery. Conductor: Alfred Walter Orchestra: Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra