Amelia’s Waltz

Notes

“Amelia’s Waltz” is a modern masterpiece of the New England tradition. Composed by Bob McQuillen in 1981, it has become one of the most requested waltzes in North America. Its flowing D-major melody and graceful leaps evoke a sense of timeless elegance, making it a favorite for contra dances and a staple for any musician’s repertoire.

“Amelia’s Waltz” (often simply called “Amelia”) is one of the most beloved contemporary waltzes in the New England folk and contra dance traditions, known for its hauntingly beautiful and bittersweet melody.

The Story Behind the Tune

The waltz was composed in 1981 by the legendary Bob McQuillen (1923–2014), a giant of the New England traditional music scene and a 2002 National Heritage Fellow. McQuillen, a prolific composer who wrote over 1,500 tunes, named this piece for Amelia Guest, the daughter of a close friend.

While many of Bob’s tunes are energetic reels and jigs, “Amelia” stands out for its deep emotional resonance. It has become a global standard, frequently played at the end of dances, at weddings, and in sessions from New Hampshire to the Pacific Northwest.

Musical Characteristics

• Rhythm & Key: It is a waltz in 3/4 time, typically played in the key of D Major.

• Structure: The tune follows a standard AABB form. The “A” part starts with a distinctive, sweeping leap that sets a graceful tone, while the “B” part moves into a more reflective, slightly higher register before gently returning home.

• Mood: It captures a specific “wistful” quality—it is not quite sad, but carries a sense of nostalgia and elegance that makes it very rewarding to play with expression and vibrato.