Kaiser-Walzer

The Emperor Waltz (Op. 437) is a concert waltz by Johann Strauss ( son ), he has for the opening of the Berlin concert hall Königsbau composed ( 19 October 1889) with the title hand in hand. The original title was to bring the political solidarity of the German and Austrian dynasty expressed. Probably at the instigation of his new Berlin publisher Fritz Simrock renamed Emperor Waltz was made.

Premieres

The premiere of the work was not at the opening of the concert hall, but two days later, under the personal supervision of the composer instead. Already on 11 November 1889, the waltz was first placed in the Viennese Ronacher by Carl Michael Ziehrer heard. Ziehrer had orchestrated the Emperor waltz for a piano reduction and thus aroused the displeasure of Strauss. On November 24 - as part of a benefit concert of his brother Eduard - noted the composer as conductor of the Strauss waltz his chapel to the Viennese public in the " original instrumentation " before. The concert took place in the Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein instead, the Emperor Waltz was cheered and had to be repeated.

Musical Notes

The waltz starts with a quiet fanfare in the small drum and woodwind marching rhythm (2/ 4). According to some, musical ornaments and embellishments, it is according to a crescendo reproduced again radiant. Now is heard the first waltz, singing fully initiated by the cello. A quiet, beautiful main melody which is soon replaced by a non-positive and peppy Forte. After a resistance blades of the first theme is heard again at a low setting, but then again radiant and bright The second waltz begins with a wistful melody before vigorous rhythms initiate the third waltz. This is with its beautiful melodies one of the finest inventions of Strauss. A solo in the trumpets seals it radiant. In the fourth waltz 'll hear a very wide, then again a yearning theme, which will be completed at the end again from the first issue. In the coda, sounds like Strauss usual, once Waltz 1 in the full splendor of the orchestra. Then once more excerpts are played from waltz 3. The cello plays then a soft melody that flows into the main theme of the waltz 1 before the waltz experienced a flute solo and coming to a crescendo to a dignified end.

Success and significance

This waltz is undoubtedly one of the most famous works by the Waltz King. At the annual Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert, he is often included in the program and always liked to have heard from the audience and returned positive.