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

Vivaldi - Violin concerto in A Major

 - Allegro molto

- Andante

- Allegro

In the Baroque period, music shifted from the polyphonic style, which was customary in the Renaissance era (1400 - 1600), to a style of contrasts and individual melodies, supported by orchestral harmonys.

During his lifetime, Vivaldi was hailed as a reformist genius who broke the traditional, old-fashioned form of the concerto.

The Violin Concerto in Α Major is in the usual form which has three parts, but without the typical part for solo violin that exists in the Four Seasons.

The first part is a shiny and airy Allegro molto. 

The second part is a rather melancholy Andante in minor key.

The third part Allegro, is lively, robust and reminds the style of Handel.



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