Program Notes

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I. Emperor's Waltz, Op. 437

II. The Blue Danube, Op. 314

 

Johann Strauss II (1825-99) is famously known as the "the King of the Waltz." He was born in Vienna to "the Father of the Waltz," Johann Strauss the elder. Strauss died in Vienna while he was working on a version of Cinderella for ballet. Performance practice of the Viennese Waltz is almost impossible to teach if it's not in the blood because there are some things that you just simply can't notate.

 

Luftpause: air-break

Schleppen: to drag

 

"The feel of the lilt is basically anticipating the second beat. If it is slightly overdone, then it becomes a mannerism and a caricature."

- Glenn Sales, Music Supervisor of The Washington Ballet.

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This arrangement was commissioned by The Washington Ballet and premiered on April 3rd, 2019 in Sidney Harman Hall, Washington D.C. featuring the original choreography of Trey McIntyre.

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