Blue Danube - J Strauss Waltz

The Blue Danube (On the Beautiful Blue Danube) is a waltz by Johann Strauss II, composed in 1866. Originally performed 13 February 1867 at a concert of the Wiener Männergesangsverein (Vienna Men's Choral Association), it has been one of the most consistently popular pieces of music in the classical repertoire. After the original music was written, the words were added by the Choral Association's poet, Joseph Weyl. Strauss later added more music, and Weyl needed to change some of the words. Strauss adapted it into a purely orchestral version for the World's Fair in Paris that same year, and it became a great success in this form. The sentimental Viennese connotations of the piece have made it into a sort of unofficial Austrian national anthem. It is a traditional encore piece at the annual Vienna New Year's Concert. On New Year's Eve the waltz is traditionally broadcast by all public-law television and radio stations exactly at midnight.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Blue Danube
• Johann Strauss
• Viennese Waltz