Florence Killen’s Waltz

Notes

“Florence Killen’s Waltz” is a celebrated Maritime standard composed by Clifford Manley in honor of one of Nova Scotia’s most beloved musicians. Dedicated to the legendary piano accompanist Florence Killen, the tune embodies the elegance and warmth of the Atlantic Canadian fiddle tradition. With its soaring G-major melody and gentle rhythm, it remains a favorite for sessions and a beautiful tribute to a woman who spent her life supporting the music of others.

“Florence Killen’s Waltz” is a beautiful and widely recognized piece in the Maritime fiddle tradition, though its origins often lead to a bit of friendly musical confusion.

The Story Behind the Tune

The waltz was composed by the Nova Scotia fiddler Clifford Manley. He wrote it as a tribute to Florence Killen (1927–2010), a legendary piano accompanist and musician from Truro, Nova Scotia.

Florence Killen was a central figure in the Atlantic Canadian music scene for decades, known for her impeccable timing and for accompanying nearly every major fiddler in the Maritimes. While she was a composer herself—most famously of the “River John Sunset Waltz”—this particular tune was written for her by Manley, capturing the grace and steady rhythm she brought to the piano.

Musical Characteristics

• Key: Usually played in the key of G Major, which gives it a warm, resonant feel on both the fiddle and the mandolin.

• Structure: It is a classic 3/4 waltz with a flowing, lyrical melody. The “A” part is gentle and invitational, while the “B” part often features slightly higher, reaching notes that provide a lovely emotional lift before resolving back to the main theme.

• Style: It is a hallmark of the Maritime Old-Time style—elegant, unhurried, and deeply melodic, designed more for listening or a graceful “glide” across a dance floor than for high-speed virtuosity.