Free concert “Vienna Waltzes” by the Mediterranean Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Daniel Tosi.

The famous Johann Strauss waltzes father (1804-1849) and son (1825-1899)

Love drink and sing, Viennese blood, artist’s life, the waltz of the emperor …
Strauss father and son: the princes of the Waltz. It is generally considered that the history of the waltz is linked to that of the Strauss family. First, Johann Strauss, born in 1804 and orphaned at the age of one year, grew up in a popular atmosphere. Gifted in music, he created his own orchestra. His style is imperious and tonic, its attack is sudden, in the gypsy tradition. His bow stroke is violent and sensual. In Vienna, as Wagner says, the crowd literally ignited by Strauss.

His son, Johann Strauss Jr., who received a much more solid musical training than his father, also creates his orchestra and composed waltzes sophisticated musically. It even becomes the rival of his father during the 1848 revolution his father sided with the Habsburgs while the son gives his support to the clan insurgents. At that time, Father Johann Strauss composed the famous “Radetzky March” in honor of General of the Habsburg army. Later, Johann Strauss Junior, peerless composer and a very prolific inspiration, be reconciled with the Court and will seek to extend his father’s work. Johann Strauss Junior wants indeed access a quality of writing that will waltz closer to classical music.