Edelweiß, Polka Mazurka, Op. 148 - Josef Strauss

Along with the rose, the now-rare mountain flower, the edelweiss, which reaches out its pale blossom from the tiny cracks and ledges of rocky cliffs, is among the plants most frequently featured in the literature of music. Since Josef Strauss in his youth spent much time traveling about in the mountainous regions of Austria, it is quite possible that he saw and admired the edelweiss in its natural habitat. At the Kaiserfest on 4th October 1863, in the imperial Volksgarten, Josef Strauss presented his Edelweiss to the public in the form or a graceful Polka Mazurka. The striking piece, which skillfully suggests the folk music of the alps, was justly admired by the many listeners in the imperial Volksgarten and subsequently was performed in numerous concerts.

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Painting: Misty Mountains
Artist: Zaneta Bringel

Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Kosice
Ernst Märzendorfer