Vielliebchen, Polka Mazurka, Op. 7 - Josef Strauss

The polka mazurka Vielliebchen (Sweetheart), which was composed in fact during the summer of 1855, belongs among the early works published by C. A. Spina. The illustrator of the title-page of the piano score was obviously of the opinion that the composer had chosen the name of a flower for his composition, and encircled the type on the title-page with a garland of leaves and flowers which cradled the figure of a maiden. However, in nineteenth-century Vienna, another usage was given to the word in certain party circles—a man and a woman would eat a piece of pastry from either end until the partners’ lips met in a kiss. This custom was known as Vielleibchen-Essen, or eating “sweethearts”. It is impossible to say whether Josef Strauss wrote his polka mazurka in the summer of 1855 in homage to gardens in bloom, or to a merry social diversion. In any case, the result was a singularly pleasant work, which furthered Josef’s reputation as a particularly sensitive composer in the polka mazurka category. Unfortunately, only the piano score of this early masterpiece has survived.

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Painting: Dîner aux Ambassadeurs
Artist: Jean Béraud

Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Kosice
Arthur Kulling