Johann Straus II - Vergnügungszug (Pleasure Train), op. 281

Johann Strauss II , known for his waltzes and lively compositions, had a unique approach to his creative process. He consistently sought contemporary and relevant themes to serve as the driving force behind his new musical compositions. This approach ensured that his work remained fresh and connected with the audiences of his time.  One notable instance of this creative approach was the composition of this polka, composed in 1864. This piece of music was specifically crafted for a summer concert held in the picturesque Russian town of Pavlovsk. It's fascinating to note that Strauss drew inspiration for this composition from the world around him. In this case, he found it in the emerging technology of the time, namely, the steam locomotive. The composition itself is a testament to Strauss's ability to capture the essence and energy of the subject matter. The rhythm of this dance piece mirrors the rhythmic chugging and movements of the old-fashioned steam trains that were prevale...
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Carl Maria von Weber - Oberon Overture

 

Costume design for one of Weber Oberon's opera characters. Although the work is rarely performed nowadays, at its premiere in London in 1826, it was a huge success.

Oberon Opera  (or The Elf King's Oath) is a 3-act romantic opera and was Carl Maria von Weber's last. He composed it for the Theatre of London's Covent Garden (not for the current building that houses the opera house) and directed its premiere on April 12, 1826, to the cheers of the audience. Unfortunately, he was very ill and the workload required by the opera accelerated his death in London on 5 June 1826.

Oberon's libretto by James Robinson Planché was based on the German poem Oberon by Christoph Martin Wieland, which itself was based on the epic romance "Huon de Bordeaux" (a medieval French tale). However, like Euryanthe, it has never had any real success in its performances, although the introduction is still a much-loved concert work.

Some of the opera's characters are the same as those in Shakespeare's play "Summer Night's Dream," but the story differs. 

The opera is scored for 2 flutes, 2 clarinets (in A), 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, 4 horns (in D and A), 2 trumpets (in D), 3 trombones (alto, tenor and bass), strings and timpani.

The Overture gently introduces three notes of Oberon's magic horn, while there are drowned string phrases, ethereal waterfalls of notes on the woodwinds and a serene antithet of the opera's triumphant march.

A sudden chord performed by the entire orchestra removes the spell of this seductive slow introduction. The rhythm periodically slows down with the return of the horn call, followed by the theme of an important aria of the opera, which is performed for the first time by the solo clarinet and then adopted and developed beautifully by the violins.

In the stormy central section, excerpts of the melody are launched incessantly. Finally, the recap ends with the interpretation of the extended central theme by violins, which is brilliantly supported by all the woodwinds.



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