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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Frédéric Chopin - Nocturnes, Op. 15

The Nocturnes, Op. 15 are a set of three nocturnes for solo piano written by Frédéric Chopin between 1830 and 1833. The work was published in January 1834, and was dedicated to his great friend and pianist Ferdinand Hiller.

Nocturne in F major, Op. 15, No. 1

This Nocturne has been said to be like Chopin painting the melody "with the soft wings of a butterfly".




Nocturne in F-sharp major, Op. 15, No. 2

This Nocturne is rich in ornaments and is a model of elegance, although it also has this usual dramatic middle part. It's so sweet, it's likened to "champagne and truffles"!


Nocturne in G minor, Op. 15, No. 3

This Nocturne is particularly graphic. Its mood is heartbreaking and it has even been likened to lamenting a lost love.


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