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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Josef Anton Bruckner - Events in brief

The announcement of Anton Bruckner's death.

1824: Josef Anton Bruckner was born on September 4th in Ansfelden, Austria.
1834: Begins to replace his father in the organ.
1835: Completes his school education in Hörsching, where Johann Baptist Weiß was schoolmaster.
1837: In June his father dies. He is sent to the Augustinian monastery in Sankt Florian to become a choirboy.
1841: Trained in Linz as a teacher.
1845: Assistant teacher in Sankt Florian. He falls in love with Louise Bogner.
1851: Permanent organist in Sankt Florian. His first visit to Vienna.
1855: Becomes a student of the famous Vienna music theorist Simon Sechter.
1863: Listens to Wagner's Tannhäuser opera.
1866: Completes Symphony No. 1 in C minor.
1868: Professor of music theory at the Vienna Conservatory.
1871: Visits England and impresses audience at Royal Albert Hall.
1872: The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra rejects Symphony No. 2.
1893: His health deteriorates. He's bedridden most of the year.
1896: Dies on October 11, in Vienna.

  •          When he was invited to conduct one of his works with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, during a rehearsal, Bruckner stood still on the podium. When after a few minutes he still did not lift his baguette, the first violin of the orchestra politely told him: "We are ready, Mr. Bruckner. You can start." "Oh, no," Bruckner said, "after you gentlemen."


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