The Viennese Dance Series for Chamber Ensembles
Johann Strauss Sr.
Täuberln Waltzes, Op.1 for String Quartet
The Täuberln-Walzer (Little Doves Waltz), Opus 1, is a waltz simple in form, containing five separate waltzes without an introduction or coda. It debuted during the carnival of 1826, when Strauss introduced his own small ensemble to the public of Vienna at the Schwan Inn, in the Vienna suburb of Rossau. Although it is Strauss' first numbered composition, it was not his first work: he had written several other dances under the name of his friend Josef Lanner during his years in Lanner’s group.
Johann Strauss Sr. (1804-1849) founder of the waltz dynasty that not only included the “Waltz King”, his oldest son Johann Jr., but also two younger sons, Joseph and Edward, was, along with Josef Lanner the most popular composer of Viennese dances from the Biedermeier period: 1815—1848. At least in Vienna, if not elsewhere, many of his works, such as the Radetzky March, the Kettenbrücke Waltzes, the Sperl Polka, the Champagne Galopp, and the Bajaderen Waltzes have remained as popular as Junior’s compositions.
Was this music specifically written for string quartet? It is quite likely because in those days Strauss did not yet have an established orchestra. But in any event, the Täuberln Waltzes were not written for a group of more than 6-8 players. And whatever the case, Strauss immediately made arrangements for all sorts of ensembles, among them was sure to be the string quartet, an ensemble which was to be found in the evenings in nearly every Viennese cafe. Strauss himself was a violinist who had begun his career with a small ensemble--a string quartet, in fact. They played in cafes and restaurants and at small parties. Later, when fame came, he created an orchestra. At first 10 players, then 16 to 20 and on special occasions perhaps 25 to 30. But one combination he certainly never envisioned was the modern day 100 member symphony orchestra--probably the least valid arrangement of all. This type of music, first and foremost, was meant to be intimate chamber music. This is the time-honored way in which most Viennese then and now have listened to their beloved waltzes. Thus it is with pleasure that we make it available again in a version for string quartet
Parts: $10.95
