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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Joseph Haydn - Trumpet concerto in E flat

Joseph Haydn composed this concerto in 1796 for the Viennese court trumpeter Anton Weidinger. Weidinger had at the time devised a key instrument that favored his interpretive potential, thereby increasing its ton range compared to the traditional "natural" trumpet. Haydn cleverly exploited this feature by creating one of the few popular trumpet concertos.

Μovements:

Ι. Allegro

The first part, Allegro, begins in the usual way, namely with a "tutti" - a section for the entire orchestra that introduces the main material of the part. Then the solo trumpet enters and confidently suggests the themes. Here's a central "development" section where issues expand further. Then, after a return to the opening material, the orchestra stops playing leaving the trumpet to perform a cadenza. Here, the trills are clearly heard, which the new kind of key trumpet could produce much more easily.


ΙΙ. Andante cantabile

The second part, Andante cantabile, is in a calm, singing style, as its characterization states. The expressive melody first introduced by the violins and then interpreted by the soloist, remains one of the most beautiful and expressive parts ever written for trumpet.


ΙΙΙ. Allegro

The third part, Allegro, is the best known part of this concerto. Its melody is presented first by the violins, after by the entire orchestra and finally by the soloist. Haydn was able to bring out with great knowledge the clean but rounded tone of the trumpet in this brilliant, happy work.



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