In The Backward Way is written in waltz form. What dance is more reminiscent of times past, elegance, and romance? The waltz is a ballroom dance, in 3/4 time, and characterized by a step-slide-step pattern. The dancing couple is touching throughout the dance, and was considered somewhat shocking in the late 18th century because of the close hold. There are different types of waltz including the standard waltz, the Viennese waltz, and the American smooth style. My composition would fall more into the standard waltz form.
I have a long piano background and have played many waltzes in the past. However, my piano training didn’t really include instruction about what makes a waltz a waltz other than the 3/4 time signature and the strong first beat of each measure. So, when I decided to write a waltz I was not nearly as prepared for the intricacies as I expected. There was so much to consider, including the chord structure, constrasting section, and appropriate modulations. Needless to say, I learned a lot!
You might remember from my article about my minuet, As It Ever Was, that I really like Nora Roberts’ Dragon Heart series. The title of my waltz also came from a line in that series. Looking in the backward way translates to what we might call hindsight. But it also triggered for me thoughts of days gone by.
It is my hope that when you play this piece you will feel the elegance, excitement, and nostalgia of the waltz. The score is available on Musicnotes.