Strauss II, Johann. (1825–1899)
Kaiser-Walzer - Autograph Musical Quotation
Autograph musical quotation from the Austrian composer known as the "Waltz King." He has penned six measures of the first waltz theme from his popular Kaiser-Walzer (Emperor Waltz), op. 437, signed at the foot and dated August 19, 1895. Penned on a small card, mounted on a trimmed album leaf. Several small tears and irregular trimming to the mount; a few small ink blots and light overall toning to the card. Overall in fine condition. 4.5 x 3.5 inches (11.4 x 8.6 cm), mounted to 7 x 4.5 inches (18 x 11.5 cm).Strauss' Kaiser-Walzer was originally titled Hand in Hand and commemorated the August 1889 visit of Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I to the German Kaiser Wilhelm II, an important gesture of friendship between the Austrian and Prussian empires. The waltz was intended for the opening of the Königsbau concert hall in Berlin (on October 19, 1889) but was not performed for the first time until two days later, under the baton of the conductor. A few weeks later, the waltz was heard in Vienna for the first time, to great acclaim. Strauss' publisher, Fritz Simrock, suggested renaming the piece Kaiser-Walzer as a an appeal to the vanity of both the emperors. (15556)
AMQS Classical Music