Johann Strauss Waltzes / Waltzes Of Johann Strauss

Back Cover: Johann Strauss, the younger, (1825-1899) was certainly one of the most famous and best loved composers of his time. The supreme master of the Viennese waltz and the Viennese operetta, his sparkling melodies and irresistible rhythms won him unprecedented popularity with the musical public throughout the world. Even such giants as Wagner and Verdi were enthusiastic admirers of Strauss' unique art, and the notoriously gruff Brahms once paid him the compliment of writing a few bars of the Blue Danube Waltz on Mme. Strauss' fan, with the words, "unfortunately not by Brahms”. From an uncomplicated 3/4 rhythm, with the simplest and most unassuming melodies, supported by standard broken chords in the bass, Strauss developed the waltz into a flexible medium for the expression of a stunning variety of moods and feelings—an art form in the truest sense. His musical gifts were indeed of the highest order. The wealth of his melodic invention has rarely been equalled, his inexhaustible rhythmic ingenuity borders on the miraculous, and the rich colour and exquisite taste of his instrumentation is a perennial delight. His best work has the touch of enchantment that only true genius can impart. The two masterpieces on this record, the ‘Emperor Waltz’ and the immortal ‘Beautiful Blue Danube’ are known and loved all over the world, from Madrid to Tokyo, from Capetown to Buenos Aires. This enchanting music, as fresh and beguiling today as on the day it was written, is performed with exquisite sensitivity and breath taking vitality by the splendid Vienna Festival Orchestra under the direction of one of Europe's most experienced and admirable conductors, the late Otto Ackermann.