Die Industriellen, Walzer, Op. 158 - Josef Strauss

"The Industrialists". During the 1861 carnival season, the Industrialists Association of the Danubian monarchy organised its first masked ball in the halls of the Imperial Palace (Redoutensaal). The sponsors of this event, who wished to demonstrate their place in Austrian society through first-rate balls attended by even Emperor Franz Josef himself, included the banks, railway companies and representatives of the incipient heavy-industry sector. As director of the ball during the 1864 carnival season, it fell to Josef Strauss to contribute the dedication waltz: he named his work Die Industriellen, thereby calling attention to the importance of the Austrian businessmen who had achieved great progress in emulating the industrialists of England and France, then the leading industrial nations of Europe. In the reports on the Industrialists Ball which took place on 19 January 1864 at the Redoutensaal at the Imperial Palace, Josef’s waltz was hardly mentioned. The “hit” of the evening’s dance repertoire was the quick polka Vergnigungszug (Pleasure Train), Op. 281, by his brother Johann.

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Painting: The Circle of the Rue Royale
Artist: James Tissot

Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Kosice
John Georgiadis