Johann Strauss II - Kaiser-Walzer (Emperor Waltz), Op. 437

Strauss often played in the glittering Imperial balls, conducting the orchestra and playing the first violin at the same time.   The majestic launch of this fascinating waltz presents the backdrop of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the hegemony of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph in 1888. Johann Strauss II was Music Director of the Dance Hesperides of the Imperial Court from 1863 to 1872 and composed on occasion for the celebration of an imperial anniversary. The ingenuity of the melody of the Emperor Waltz, which was originally orchestrated for a full orchestra, is such that it was easily adapted for the four or five instruments of a chamber ensemble by the Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg in 1925. This waltz is a tender and somewhat melancholic work, which at times turns its gaze nostalgically to the old Vienna. The waltz praises the majesty and dignity of the old monarch, who was fully devoted to his people. It begins with a majestic, magnificent march, which soon re
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Camille Saint-Saëns - The Carnival of the Animals (Le Carnaval des animaux) - Part 1

Camille Saint-Saëns wrote this satirical and entertaining suite in 1886 for himself and his friends exclusively. It was played only once in a close private circle, and Saint-Saëns did not allow it to be performed in public while he was alive. Either he believed that the work was not of particular value or perhaps he considered it unworthy of a composer at the top of his career. 

Whatever the reason, the score remained untouched for 30 years and was only published in 1922.

I. Introduction and Royal March of the Lion

The fibrillation of piano chords and the emerging string phrases of this "magnificent zoological imagination" define the Introduction and Royal March of the Lion. As the music grows, the excitement intensifies until everything stops abruptly with a final bow of the orchestra. The pianos play a rhythmic fanfare and a slow string melody finally announces the arrival of the Lion. Even his terrible roar is heard - low on the piano and later on strings.


II. Hens and Roosters

The hens cheerfully sing, noisy and carving in Hens and Roosters in high tone and complement the rooster's resonant laity on the piano and high on the clarinet.


III. Hémiones (Wild Donkeys Swift Animals)

The fast, impetuous scales of the piano in Hémiones mimic the brutal toil of the amateur pianist.


IV. Tortoises

In Tortoises, the double bass plays a slow version of Offenbach's Can Can.



V. The Elephant

Bass also appears on The Elephant, while the poor creature struggles to dance in the swirls of a waltz.



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