You only live once (waltz)
You Only Live Once is a waltz by Johann Strauss Sohn (op. 167). The work was performed for the first time on February 19, 1855 in the Zum Sperl dance hall .
Remarks
The country- style waltz You Only Live Once was written for Mardi Gras in 1855 and premiered on February 19, Mardi Gras Monday (also known as Rose Monday) at a benefit concert. The title has a somewhat unusual background. Vienna was hit by a severe cholera epidemic in 1854, which killed thousands of citizens. With his work, Strauss also wanted to remember the transience of life. Therefore the work contains not only cheerful but also contemplative melodies. The critics were divided on this. In addition to approval, there was also criticism. Among other things, it was about whether one should take up such a serious topic at a high point of the carnival, or whether it was even necessary to deal with such serious topics in waltzes.
The playing time on the CD listed under individual records is 6 minutes and 43 seconds. Depending on the musical conception of the conductor, this time can change by up to a minute plus or minus.
Web links
Individual proof
- ↑ Source: English version of the booklet (page 39) in the 52 CD complete edition of the orchestral works by Johann Strauss (son), publisher Naxos (label) . The work can be heard as the sixth track on CD 12.