Johann Strauss Ii: Perpetuum Mobile – Münchner Rundfunkorchester

In addition to the popular potpourri overture to Johann Strauss II’s operetta ‘The Gypsy Baron’ (1885) and the musical joke ‘Perpetuum mobile’, the programme of the new album from BR-KLASSIK features mostly lesser-known, yet no less rousing compositions by the ‘Viennese Waltz King’, all of them studio productions.

Johann Strauss II inherited his father’s entrepreneurial passion and artistic mastery. He succeeded in further refining and expanding the repertoire, particularly in the form of the grand concert waltz. This album features the ‘Revolutionary March’ Op. 54 (1848), as well as ‘Perpetuum mobile – A Musical Joke’ Op. 257 (1861) and the Intermezzo from the operetta ‘1001 Nights’ (1871/1906). The waltz ‘Carnevalsbilder’ Op. 357 (1873) and the fast polka ‘Vom Donaustrande’ Op. 356 (1873) are both based on melodies from the operetta ‘The Carnival in Rome’. The waltz ‘Nordseebilder’ Op. 390 (1879), the overture to the operetta ‘Der Zigeunerbaron’ (1885), and the ‘Csárdás’ from Strauss’s only opera ‘Ritter Pásmán’ (1892) are also included, as is the musical prelude ‘Klänge aus der Raimundzeit’ Op. 479 (1898). The CD also has a surprise in store (as bonus tracks)!