"Cradle Songs". On 18 May 1856 the “Wiener Theaterzeitung” announced that “the diligent conductor Josef Strauss has composed a new waltz with the title Schlummerlieder’ (Lullabies’) to mark the impending confinement of Her Majesty the Empress”. But it was not until July 1856 that the Empress Elisabeth was able to inform her husband Franz Joseph of the birth of their second daughter, who was baptised with the name Gisela. On 13 July the “Morgen-Post” contained the announcement: “To mark the happy occasion of the birth of a Princess, a festival concert will take place in the Imperial Volksgarten. At this event, J. Strauss will perform for the first time a waltz entitled ‘Wiegenlieder’ (‘Cradle Songs’), specially composed for the occasion”. Accordingly, in Josef’s diary 15 July 1856 is given as the date of the first performance of the work. On 17 July, the “Theaterzeitung” reported: “Josef Strauss’ new ‘Cradle Songs’ waltz was given a reception which was almost enthusiastic. It contains melodies of such charm that one is quite enchanted by them. The first and fifth waltzes are among the most fortunate inspirations imparted by the Strauss muse. Josef Strauss, who is totally worthy to walk in his brother Johann’s footprints, has once again proved with this composition that melody is at his command just as it is at his brother’s and was at his late father’s, whose worthy heirs are the Strauss brothers. The new waltz has already joined the ranks of the favourite pieces of the Viennese.”
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Painting: Elisabeth with her daughter Gisela
Artist: Ludwig Angerer
Budapest Strauss Symphony Orchestra
Alfred Walter
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