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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Gioachino Rossini - La Danza (Tarantella Napoletana)

From 1830 to 1835, Gioachino Rossini composed various arias and duets for singers of Parisian society where he used to patronise. These works were published in a volume entitled Soirées Musicales in 1835. La Danza was written in the cheerful style of the 18th century tarantella. 

The orchestra creates the scene with the frenetic rhythm of the Neapolitan tarantella which was extremely popular at the time. The tenor enters holding an impressively long note and then joins wholeheartedly with the spirit of the work. The percussion section, which includes a cymbal, a drum and a triangle, complements the noisy but cheerful music.

The second half of the song features a military feel, with a sharp accompaniment played by the strings. The music breaks out in the chorus with a new glowing tonality and a short orchestral section leads to a second verse and to the final choral.


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