Introducing Johann Strauss, Jr.
Introducing Johann Strauss, Jr.
Admirer Richard Strauss (no relation) once said of Johann Strauss II, “How could I forget the laughing genius of Vienna?” How indeed? Strauss’s lively polkas, waltzes, and marches are filled with good-humor and gaiety. He was immensely popular throughout his lifetime as a dance-music composer, and venues were proud to display placards reading, “Heaute Spielt der Strauss!” or “Strauss plays today!”
“ A story is occasionally told in biographies of both men that Strauss's daughter approached Brahms to ask that he autograph her fan, as was a custom at that time. It was usual for the composer to inscribe a few measures of his best-known music, and then sign his name. Brahms, however, inscribed a few measures from one of Strauss's best-known waltzes, [On the Beautiful Blue Danube] and then wrote beneath it: ‘Unfortunately, NOT by Johannes Brahms.’” Wikipedia
I’d like to introduce you to Johann Strauss Jr. and his beautiful music. He is a favorite here at our home, and even the three-year old will ask for “The Hunting ‘Pooka.’” As you listen to the bubbles in the Champagne Polka, the rumbling and clashing in the Thunder and Lightning Polka, or the silvered ripples On the Beautiful Blue Danube, you can almost imagine Strauss laughing to himself. Doesn’t it make you want to dance?
Here is a miniature catalogue of his most popular works:
*Those in bold type are included in the musical widget to the right. Be sure to listen to these beautiful examples of Strauss, Jr.’s work!
Polka Op. 43 Explosions Polka
Polka Op. 117 Annen (Anna)
Polka Op. 211 Champagner Polka
Polka Op. 214 Tritsch-Tratsch Polka (Chit-Chat)
Polka Op. 281 Vergnüzug (Luxury Train)
Polka Op. 319 Leichtes Blut (Light Blood)
Polka Op. 324 Unter Donner und Blitz (Thunder and Lightning)
Polka Op. 332 Eljen a Magyà (Hail to Hungary! or Long Live the Magyar!)
Polka Op. 373 Auf der Jagd! (On the Hunt!)
Waltz Op. 114 Liebesliender (Love Songs)
Waltz Op. 234 Accelerationen (Accelerations)
Waltz Op. 279 Morgenbläer (Morning Journals)
Waltz Op. 307 Wiener Bonbons (Viennese Bonbons)
Waltz Op. 314 An der schö blauen Donau (On the Beautiful Blue Danube)
Waltz Op. 333 Wein, Weib und Gesang (Wine, Woman and Song)
Waltz Op. 354 Wiener Blut (Vienna Blood)
Waltz Op. 388 Rosen aus de Sü (Roses from the South)
Waltz Op. 410 Früsstimmen (Voices of Spring)
Waltz Op. 418 Schatz Walzer (Sweetheart Waltz) from Der Zigeunerbaron
Waltz Op. 437 Kaiserwalzer (Emperor Waltz)
March Op. 327 Entry March of Der Zigeunerbaron (Gypsy Baron)
Musical Joke Op. 257 Perpetuum Mobile (Perpetual Motion)
Photograph: Johann Strauss II. Unknown copyright information.
Friday, February 8, 2008