Schlaraffen-Polka (française), Op. 179 - Josef Strauss

"Fool's Paradise". Josef Strauss composed the refined Schlaratten-Polka for the Strauss Benefit Ball held on 27 February 1865 at the 'Sperl' dance hall. On this evening the Strauss orchestra was decked out in baroque costumes and powdered wigs. In the numerous and considerably detailed news accounts of All Fool's Eve, it was emphasised that the "younger Strauss brothers" (that is, Josef and Eduard) took turns directing the orchestra, "both of them in rococo dress with white wigs." This statement is interesting in that it confirms that Josef Strauss had recovered from the serious episodes which had caused a physical breakdown, and was able to resume his profession. Life in fool's paradise, which was depicted as enticing by the designer of the title-page of the first edition, was something in which Josef Strauss, an indefatigable worker, seldom indulged. The piano score for the Schlaraffen-Polka was issued in April 1865, the orchestra parts in January 1866.

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Painting: The Banquet
Artist: William_Hogarth
Date: 1754

Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Bratislava
Michael Dittrich