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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Saint-Saëns - Fantaisie No. 1 for Organ in E-flat Major

As a student, Saint-Saëns won several awards for his performance on the church organ, so it is not surprising that at the same time he composed music for the instrument. The Fantasy in E-flat Major was composed in 1857, at the time when the composer was an organist at the Saint Mary's Church in Paris. Although an early work, it is an excellent example of the brilliant style of Saint-Saëns.

A low restrained chord introduces the sweet sound of the opening melody. The lively, but almost airy rhythm, shows that this piece is intended to pleasure, since all solemnity or grandeur is missing from here. The melody is repeated higher and a second theme is presented. 

The second part is in stark contrast to the first - a resonant initial chord introduces an evolving march. The music here rather gets serious and becomes academic - the melody sounds first by itself, then repetitive and pretentious. The composition ends with an extended version of the original theme.


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