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Donald Macleod explores the many romantic intrigues in the life of Johann Strauss II.

Donald Macleod explores the many romantic intrigues in the life of Johann Strauss II.

In the composer’s 200th anniversary year, Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Johann Strauss II, who became so popular for his operettas and Viennese waltzes that he would be dubbed “The Waltz King”. In his time his huge popularity was akin to a pop star or Hollywood film icon today, and his music filled the ballrooms of Europe and America. Over the course of the week, we’ll see how he made his name, and overcame setbacks to become one of the most famous figures in all of Europe.

In Thursday's programme, Donald explores the many romantic intrigues in Strauss’ life. He returns from illness and swiftly becomes a stellar figure in the musical landscape of Russia, while continuing his domination of the Viennese musical scene. The Austrian press pit him in a Waltz battle against Jacques Offenbach and, though he continues to struggle with an exhausting schedule, he does find time to poke musical fun at the Viennese city improvement works of the period. He also conquers a new genre – Operetta.

Champagne Polka, Op 211
The Halle Orchestra
Bramwell Tovey, conductor

Wiener Frauen, Op 423
Vienna Johann Strauss Orchester
Willi Boskovsky, conductor

Wine, Women and Song, Op 333
The Halle Orchestra
Brydon Thomson, conductor

Morgenblatter, Op 279
Berlin Philharmonic
Herbert von Karajan, conductor

Die Fledermaus Overture
Vienna Philharmonic
Andre Previn, conductor

Neu Wien, Op 342
Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra
Alfred Walter, conductor

Produced by Sam Phillips for ѿý Audio Wales & West

25 days left to listen

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Johann Strauss II

    Champagne Polka, Op 211

    Orchestra: Hallé. Conductor: Bramwell Tovey.
    • Warner Classics : 5856332.
    • Warner Classics.
    • 4.
  • Johann Strauss II

    Wiener Frauen, "Les dames de St Petersburg" Op 423

    Orchestra: Johann Strauss Orchestra Of Vienna. Conductor: Willi Boskovsky.
    • WARNER CLASSICS : 0724357431156.
    • WARNER CLASSICS.
    • 6.
  • Johann Strauss II

    Wine, Women and Song, Op 333

    Orchestra: Hallé. Conductor: Brydon Thomson.
    • Warner Classics : 5856332.
    • Warner Classics.
    • 3.
  • Johann Strauss II

    Morgenblatter, Op 279

    Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker. Conductor: Herbert von Karajan.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON : 449-768-2.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
    • 6.
  • Johann Strauss II

    Die Fledermaus Overture

    Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic. Conductor: André Previn.
    • DECCA : 478-415-9.
    • DECCA.
    • 1.
  • Johann Strauss II

    Neu Wien, Op 342

    Orchestra: Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Alfred Walter.
    • MARCO POLO : 8.223236.
    • MARCO POLO.
    • 1.

Broadcast

  • Thursday 16:00

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