It is through the combined talent of almost all the Strauss family that Vienna became the home of the waltz, but it is Johann Strauss II who undoubtedly is remembered as the 'Waltz King'. Moreover, the glittering, enduring waltzes composed by Johann Strauss are as attractive for the listener today as they were approximately 143 years ago when he was at the peak of his success.
The white and gold paint, double columns, and ornate plaster craft work of the Usher Hall's interior, including four elaborate candelabras helped create an ambience reminiscent of a Viennese ballroom. These surroundings provided a wonderful backdrop for Rainer Hersch (conductor and presenter), the Johann Strauss orchestra, the Johann Strauss dancers, and soprano, Charlotte Ellet to entertain a near capacity auditorium to a spectacular late, wintry afternoon of predominantly Viennese music, song and dance.
The enthusiastic musicianship of members of the twenty-six piece orchestra effortlessly brought to life beautiful melodies, foot-tapping rhythms and brilliant orchestrations of dances, waltzes and songs to a most appreciative audience. The colourful, period costumed dancers added to the overall Viennese ambience - their graceful elegance displayed excitement and energy through a range of emotion.
Charlotte Ellet gave a coloratura performance in a number of well known songs including: the 'Laughing Song' from Strauss's Die Fledermaus; Franz Lehar's 'Vilja' from The Merry Widow, and Strauss's waltz 'Voices of Spring' written as a coloratura aria for soprano Bianca Bianchi. Other most notable performances were given by orchestral leader Steve Wilkie who performed 'Waltz in the style of Paganini', and 'Csardas' by Vittorio Monti. Rainer Hersch proved to be a most entertaining host providing comic asides and party tricks with orchestral accompaniment throughout the concert.
It would be remiss not to mention a collection of waltzes and polkas composed by Johann Strauss II, examples of some of his most well known and best-loved music, performed by Rainer Hersch and The Johann Strauss Orchestra. This afternoon's programme included: Radetsky March op.228, The Gypsy Baron (Entrance March), The Publicist. Waltz op. 321, Emperor Waltz op. 437, Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka (Chit-Chat, Polka) op. 214.
The afternoon's programme concluded with a most delightful performance of Strauss's 'signature' composition The Blue Danube op 314. After a slow, mysterious introduction with muted brass, woodwind and shimmering strings, the orchestra swept enthusiastically into the main theme – one of the most familiar of all of Strauss's waltz melodies.
The music swirled and flowed like the great river itself, a variety of different melodies were taken up and repeated, sometimes majestically and at other times gentle and hesitantly. The coda returned to the main theme, subsiding into quiet tranquillity before ending with a resounding flourish.
Event: Saturday 13 January, 2013 at 3 pm.