Waltz Kings: Emile Waldteufel (1837 – 1915)

Émile Waldteufel (9 December 1837 – 12 February 1915) was a French pianist, conductor and composer of dance music. He was jewish with a German name, although he was born in Strasbourg, which made him French. He was known as the French Waltz King. As he was a pianist, he first wrote his waltzes for the piano before orchestrating them.The style of his waltzes differs from his contemporary Johann Strauss Jr, in being more subtle, less exuberant and more romantic. And many of the waltzes have a touch of Spanish influence in them.