In 1858, it was still part of the tradition of the Danubian monarchy to portray military life as something pleasing and worthwhile. Thus "pleasure camps" were set up, consisting, for the most part, of tents and makeshift cabins, in which all kinds of war material were arranged. The whole was calculated to appeal to men's interests, and since there were also canteens whre food and drink were offered, the atmosphere generally resembled that experienced today at country fairs. In the Vienna area at the time there was no lack of field camps (Known as bivouacs); since the Imperial Palace anticipated a conflict in upper Italy (which in fact broke out in the spring pf 1859) and a large contigent of troops was assembled in the capital. "Pepi" wrote the Bivouac-Quadrille done in "military style" and he presented the work on 6 July 1858 at a celebration with fireworks in the Volksgarten. Of course, it is ironic that Josef, of all people, should have allowed a composition to be performed in "military style", for he had already flatly rejected his father's idea of entering military service. But as a conductor, he had to adapt to current events in Viennese life, and in July 1858 this quadrille was perfectly appropiate.
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Painting: Florida Camp Scene
Artist: Charles Johnson Post
Date: 1898
Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Kosice
Christian Pollack
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