31 Days of Classical, Day 16: Take this waltz

Each day throughout July, I'll share with you a piece of classical music. Thirty-one days, thirty-one pieces.

The list is by no means definitive, nor is it necessarily a list of all of my favorite music from the classical world. Every morning, I start my day with music that inspires me in some way, whether I'm inspired by its happiness, its loneliness, the instrumentation, the harmony, the colors, the melody -- each piece is special in some way -- and offers an opportunity to either hear something you've never heard, or hear something new in a piece you've known your whole life.

Josef Strauss, Dorfschwalben aus Osterreich (Village Swallows)

This waltz!!!! Josef Strauss was the brother of Johann Strauss Jr. The consensus is that Josef was the more talented composer, but Johann had the better PR agent. This Village Swallows waltz begins with an adorable, pastoral clarinet solo. This waltz is one of my favorite pieces with bird calls in it, as you'll notice the more you listen. Waltzes are my favorite music to clean house to, or to really do just about any kind of housework. I have a playlist called "Waltzes, Yo." Here's an even better version with lyrics, sung by Rita Streich.

Take the 31 Days of Classical Challenge

31 Days is a bite-sized month-long trial of Classical Music from across the spectrum of the wonderful, expansive music we love at Classical MPR. Join the fun by subscribing to the 31 Days of Classical newsletter, or use #31DaysofClassical on Twitter or Facebook.

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