the Jester's Waltz

Being of Viennese extraction, Richard has always had a soft spot for the beauty and elegance of the waltz. But this is not that!
Rather than a reverential bow to Johann Strauss, “the Jester’s Waltz” owes more to the influence of Erik Satie, Cirque du Soleil, and the court jester from Edgar Allan Poe’s story, “Hop-Frog”. Richard’s farcical parody of the once-venerable dance form has been called “playful, hilarious, manic, irreverent, fiendishly fast”…all of which bodes well to be entrusted to the sleight of hand mastery of a willing virtuoso pianist!

“The Jester’s Waltz” wins prize in composition competition!
Judges' Notification:
“Dear Mr. Altenbach,
Please accept our sincere congratulations on your exceptional performance at the XVII Golden Key Piano Composition Competition. You have competed among 104 participants from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Poland, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, The Netherlands, The United States and awarded 2nd Degree Diploma in National Professional Category.
Your composition … has been recommended for the program of the World Composers Recital … in Vienna, on July 31, 2024, where the Diploma and Winner's Medal will be awarded to you on the stage of Vienna’s historic Ehrbar Hall during the Award Ceremony.”

* Richard’s piece also received Honorable Mention (only American awarded) in the Dissonus Competition. World-renowned pianist, Artur Cimirro, will record the work and perform it on recital programs to disseminate the piece internationally.

PROGRAM NOTES:

“The Jester's Waltz” is a composition that defies convention and expectations, offering a refreshing departure from the elegance of Lehar's “Merry Widow's Waltz” or the grandeur of Ravel's “La Valse.” It presents itself as an antidote to the refined and stately waltzes of the past, injecting a dose of whimsy into the genre.

From the first notes, it becomes apparent that this piece is anything but traditional. Its quirky melodies twist and turn unpredictably, entertaining the listener with unexpected harmonic shifts and playful rhythms. Altenbach's inventive use of musical language creates a world where the rules of the waltz are bent and stretched, allowing for moments of both mischief and exuberance, akin to a jester's antics in a royal court.

Outrageous, satirical, sarcastic, and sardonic in its parody, it's a balancing act of juggling, tumbling, and occasional fumbling. The waltz is also a tour de force of technical skill and virtuosity. Throughout the piece, pyrotechnic displays of musical fireworks dazzle and delight, showcasing the composer's flair for the dramatic.

Painting a picture of a surreal world, the composition captures the essence of Dali-esque absurdity, making it a singularly brilliant addition to the musical dreamscape. And indeed, with its infectious energy and unabashed charm, the waltz is destined to be the perfect showy encore.

In summary, “The Jester's Waltz” is a delightful romp through a world of musical fancy, where the unexpected reigns supreme.

REVIEW:

“ … That’s just absolutely amazing… The piece (is) irreverent and singularly brilliant … Love it” – Taylor S"