Kaiser-Walzer

Also known as “The Waltz King,” Johann Strauss II succeeded his father as the Music Director of the Royal Court Balls. He went on to surpass his father’s legacy through extensive concert tours and a prolific output of approximately 500 compositions, which cemented his legacy. The Kaiser-Walzer (Emperor Waltz) was composed in 1889 to mark the renewal of the political pact between Germany and Austria. Comprising several sections that alternate between military marches, waltzes and lyrical passages, the piece evokes the irresistible charm of Vienna—evoking the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sissi), opera balls and the city’s traditional New Year’s concert.