At the beginning of the overture, the violin played a slow vibration with a broken bow in A major, like the dawn breaking the mist on the river, awakening the sleeping earth, and the water waves on the Danube were turning gently. In this context, one of the most important motivations for the French horn to play this piece is its beautiful coherence and lively high notes, which symbolizes the dawn.
Next, there are five small waltzes played together, each containing two contrasting theme melodies.
The first "Little Waltz" describes the scene of people intoxicated by nature dancing on the Danube. A theme lyrical and clear melody, relaxed and lively rhythm, and sudden sound corresponding to the main theme are full of cheerful emotions, which makes people feel that the breath of spring has come to the Danube; B theme is light and lively, as if it is a compliment to the Danube in spring.
The second waltz appeared in D major for the first time. The first part of the melody jumps, ups and downs, step by step, and the artistic conception is bright, giving people a feeling of vigor and vitality; Suddenly the music changed to B flat major, which was elegant and euphemistic, in contrast to the first part. The second waltz, which is unique and varied, describes the little girls in southern alps, dancing happily in goose down skirts, and the varied colors are particularly touching.
The third waltz is a singing melody, and theme A has the characteristics of elegance, solemnity and stability. Theme B has the characteristics of fluidity, which strengthens the dance and presents a carnival dance scene. This piece of music adopts syncopated rhythm, giving people a cordial and novel feeling.
The theme of the fourth waltz is beautiful and moving, full of singing; The theme B emphasizes the rhythm of the dance, which is passionate and unrestrained. In contrast to the theme A, the rhythm is relatively free at first, and the arpeggio melody is very beautiful, even the composer himself is very proud, as if it were full of spring and refreshing.
The fifth small waltz is the continuation and development of the musical artistic conception of the fourth waltz, but it is transferred to A major. Theme A is ups and downs, soft and warm; The theme of B is a warm and jubilant piece of music, which constitutes the climax of the whole song. The undulating melody is reminiscent of carefree boating on the Danube.
Finally, the climax and ending of the whole song. There are two kinds of music endings, one is the chorus ending, followed by the fifth waltz, which is short and ends quickly in a warm atmosphere. The other is the end of orchestral music, which is longer, reproduces the theme of the third waltz, the fourth waltz and the first waltz in turn, then reproduces the main tone of the music sequence, and finally ends in a stormy carnival atmosphere.