Express polka
The Express-Polka is a Schnell -Polka by Johann Strauss Sohn (op. 311). The work was first performed on November 18, 1866 in Vienna's Volksgarten .
Remarks
The polka was created against the backdrop of the war of 1866 , which ended unhappily for the Danube monarchy. The mood in Vienna was accordingly and Johann Strauss and his brothers tried to lighten this mood. A first attempt had already taken place in August 1866 in the Volksgarten. Among other things, the polka flirting was performed. On November 18 of the same year the three Strauss brothers held another concert at the same location, with the premiere of the Polka Wildfeuer (op. 313) and the waltz Feenmärchen (op. 312). The Express Polka was also presented to the public on this occasion . In these works, Johann Strauss demonstratively turned away from the sad events of the recent Austrian past and tried to give his listeners new confidence for the future with cheerful music. In 1939 Antal Doráti incorporated motifs from this polka into his ballet Graduation Ball, which was compiled from motifs by Johann Strauss (son) .
The playing time on the CD listed under itemization is 2 minutes and 32 seconds. This time can vary somewhat depending on the conductor's musical conception.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Source: English version of the booklet (page 74) in the 52 CD complete edition of the orchestral works by Johann Strauss (son), published by Naxos (label) . The work can be heard as the fourth track on the 27th CD.