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The waltz originated in Germany and became the rage of European dance music. It was the lively and exuberant Viennese waltzes of the Strauss Family that reigned supreme in Europe. The waltz was introduced by the Europeans to Latin America, where it absorbed the rhythms and melodic influences of Latin American indigenous music. The Latin American waltz took on a slower and more sentimental tempo, more akin to the English waltz rather than the Viennese style.

Mexican Music was influenced heavily by Spain. Spanish musical elements were often mixed with indigenious folk rhythms. However, the mexican waltz was the result of Viennese influence. Towards the later part of the nineteenth century, there was a craze for the Viennese waltz, and to meet this new-found demand, a number of composers started to churn out Viennese waltzes. Most of these composers and their waltzes have been forgotten, with the notable exception of one: Juventino Rosas and his waltz "Sobre las Olas" (or "Over the Waves").

Dios Nunca Muere (God Never Dies) is a famous Mexican Waltz song, written by Mexican Violinist, Pianist and Composer Macedonio Alcala (1831-1869). Alcala was born in Oaxaca, and this waltz is the unofficial anthem of the Oaxacan people.

Several stories surround the composition of this waltz. Throughtout his life, Alcala struggled with illness, alcoholism and poverty. One story tells of how when he was in the depths of his misery, a friend came and left him 15 pesos in silver unnoticed. When Alcala discovered the money, he wrote this waltz in gratitude. This waltz became an instant success and is still remembered today. Other than this waltz, Alcala's other works are virtually forgotten.

After an anguished introduction, the mood lifts somewhat with the main waltz, even though there is a pervasive melancholy throughout the waltz.

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