The Viennese Dance Series for Chamber Ensembles

Johann Strauss Jr.

Wiener Bonbons Waltzes, Op.307

For Piano 2 Violins, Cello & Bass or

Piano, 2 Violins, Clarinet, Cello & Bass or

Piano, 2 Violins, Flute Clarinet, Cello and Bass

The Wiener Bonbons waltzes were written in 1866 and first performed in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. They were dedicated to the influential Princess Pauline Metternich-Winneburg the wife of then Austrian ambassador to Paris. The concert was meant to raise funds to be donated to the construction of German hospitals in Paris and Strauss' younger brother Josef was  to be conducting music at the ball without his brother Johann's anticipated presence. Johann composed the waltzes for the event although at the last minute, combining elements of the Viennese waltz with Parisian flair. The title, in German and French, also unites both nationalities.

The Introduction starts in a relatively tense mood. Shortly, the first waltz theme makes a bold entry, long chords with a strong first beat in 3/4 time. Later sections are bouncy and flamboyant but interspersed with contrasting gentle and reflective melodies. After a short coda, the first waltz theme reappears before accelerating into its rousing finish. Our soundbite starts after the introduction.

It was originally intended for his small orchestra of around 30 players but arrangements of it for much smaller and more intimate groups were almost immediately made from the time it was published so that it could be heard in the cafes and coffee houses throughout Vienna. We offer it in three of the more common arrangements.

(A) Piano 2 Violins, Cello & Bass	$19.95
(B) Piano, 2 Violins, Clarinet, Cello & Bass	$23.95
(C) Piano, Violin, Flute, Cello & Bass--Parts	$27.95