the most popular of all waltzes; today it is
always featured as the encore to Vienna’s
New Year’s Day concert.
In contrast to the leisurely waltz, the
other popular dance form glorified by the
Strauss family was the usually brisk twobeat polka, a dance of Bohemian/Czech
origin. Much briefer than the waltzes,
Strauss polkas often had a specific topical
or dramatic character. The Annen-Polka
or “Anna Polka” was composed for the
celebration of the Festival of Saint Anne,
which took place on July 26, 1852 in Vienna’s amusement park, the Prater. It is a
very refined, moderate-tempo polka in the
French style rather than the more robust
German style.
By contrast, the Elgen a Magyar
(“Long Live the Magyar!”) is a very fast,
boisterous polka representing the German
approach to this two-beat dance. It was
written in 1869 for the Strauss brothers’
tour of Eastern Europe, specifically for the
opening of the Redoutensaal Hall in Pest,
and was dedicated “to the Hungarian Nation.” Just before the end, listen for a tiny
quotation from the famous Hungarian
tune the Rákóczy March, so memorably
set by Hector Berlioz.
Johann II also became the father of the
Viennese operetta: a lighter form of opera
based on the waltz and using spoken
dialogue between the musical numbers.
Today his Die Fledermaus (“The Bat”)
of 1874 remains the most popular of them
all: a tale of how a philandering Viennese
husband gets his comeuppance. Eisenstein
and his wife, Rosalinda, have been bickering over their extracurricular romances
when each, unbeknownst to the other,
is invited to a party at Prince Orlofsky’s
palace. At this waltz-propelled ball, Eisenstein unknowingly falls for his own wife,
who has disguised herself as a Hungarian
countess. Rosalinda, however, recognizes
him, and when he tries to seduce her with
a watch, she pockets it for future evidence.
When her identity is revealed in the last
act, the chastened Eisenstein promises to
remain faithful.
Die Fledermaus’ effervescent Overture
is filled with many of the operetta’s most
winning melodies. We will also hear the
popular aria “Mein Herr Marquis,”
“Our calendars are so full with the camera
club, volunteering, biking, the gym...we have
to pencil in time for just the two of us.”
Ron and Pat Dillon, Living at Willow Valley Since 2005
Willow Valley is more than a senior living community.
It’s a way of life. It’s a beautiful home, exceptional cuisine,
lovely landscaping, and meticulously-maintained campuses.
It’s also a mind-body-spirit approach to wellness and
welcoming neighbors who make the most of every day.
And it’s Lifecare, a wise and valuable investment that
provides long-term care, should you need it.
Visit us. Explore some of our 80+ floorplans. Get to know
people from 37+ states who make Willow Valley home.
Meet our team members who, for nearly 30 years, have
created one of the region’s most innovative, financially
strong, senior living communities. Willow Valley is a
place to engage, learn, enjoy.
800.770.5445 | Lancaster, PA | WillowValleyCommunities.org
Life Lived Forward
TM
January– February 2014 |
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