Sargeant's unique orchestration of Brahms' popular set of sixteen waltzes is a welcome addition to the symphonic repertoire. Brahms composed the original piano duet version in 1865 and arranged them for piano solo the same year. He later arranged five for 2 pianos which were published posthumously. Sargeant's orchestration, though employing a Brahms-size orchestra, is more contemporary in orchestrational style but remains entirely performable by any reasonably practiced non-professional ensemble.