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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Johann Strauss II - "Frühlingsstimmen", Op. 410 ("Voices of Spring")

Originally written as aria in order to accompany a famous Italian soprano "Voices of Spring" did not make a good impression on the Viennese audience, who found the work mediocre and the melody vague. On the contrary, they met with widespread popularity abroad. 

The dance became popular in Vienna when Johann Strauss II decided to orchestrate it for concertos and among his many admirers was the famous pianist and composer Frantz Liszt.

After the rhythm of the waltz is introduced by the bass, the woodwinds, with the support of the entire orchestra, slide into a lyrical melody full of trills, gllisanti and other musical decorations. Then the music incorporates the gentle rustling of the leaves, distant hunting horns and sweet singing of birds.

Sometimes the music moves gently and slowly in an almost sad mood, before re-rocking with magnificence to a joyful purpose and then evolving into the wonderful climax of the end.

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