Johann Strauss (Sohn)

Champagner Polka

Vienna born composer and conductor Johann Strauß Jr. (1825-1899) was not only the uncontested 'Waltz King', but he also wrote quite some other gems of popular dance music. Among those some seventeen polka's such as. 'Annen Polka' op. 117, 'Demolierer Polka' op. 269, 'Explosionen Polka' op.43, 'Tritsch-Tratsch Polka' op. 214 and the famous 'Pizzicato Polka' which he wrote in collaboration with his brother Joseph. The Champagner Polka op. 211, subtitled 'A musical joke', was premiered by the Strauß Orchestra, conducted by the composer, as 'Ball Champagner Polka' at a concert in the celebrated Vauxhall Pavilion at Pawlowsk near Saint Petersburg (Russia) on 12 August 1858. The piece, dedicated to the Austrian Minister of Finance von Bruck was published one year later. It is quite obvious that this lively and sparkling polka has often been part of the celebrated New Year's Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic.