Laxenburger, Polka, Op. 60 - Josef Strauss

"Laxenburg". Empress elisabeth of Austria was expecting her third child in August 1858. Toward the end of July, the thirty-something sovereign secluded herself in the Castle of Laxenburg and prepared to give birth there. The building, surrounded by marvellous romantic gardens, shielded her from people's curiosity. This, as it turned out, was actually necessary, for the Viennese inmmediately organised mass migrations to Laxenburg, located some 20 kilometers south of the city, in order to be as close as possible to their empress during this time. Josef Strauss took advantage of the occasion and composed the Laxenburger Polka. By the time he performed the work for the first time on 30 August 1858 during the Hernals church fair at Ungers Casino, the interest in laxenburg had died down again, for on 21 August 1858 Empress Elisabeth gave birth to the anxiously-awaited succesor to the throne, who was christened Rudolf. Nevertheless, the lively Polka found favour among Viennese music lovers and sold well. The first edition of the work, the title page which depicts the Castle of Laxenburg along with the large pond situated in front of it, sold out quickly after its appearance in October 1858. Still later, this piquant polka remained in the Strauss orchestra's repertoire.

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Painting: Der Blaue Hof in Laxenburg bei Wien
Artist: Eduard Gurk
Date: 1838

Wiener Philharmoniker
Georges Prêtre
Neujahrskonzert 2008