Kaiser-Walzer

Kaiser-Walzer op. 437 (Emperor Waltz) is a waltz composed by Johann Strauss II in 1889. The famous waltz was originally titled 'Hand in Hand' and was intended as a toast made in August of that year by Austrian emperor Franz Josef on the occasion of his visit to the German Kaiser Wilhelm II where it was symbolic as a 'toast of friendship' extended by Austria to Germany.

His astute publisher, Fritz Simrock, suggested an even more diplomatic title 'Kaiser-Walzer' since the title could allude to either monarch, and thus satisfy the vanity of both rulers. The magnificent new waltz was first performed in Berlin on 21 October 1889 although the illustrator of the original piano edition has the last laugh as the title cover bore the illustration of the Austrian Imperial Crown.

The pomp and majesty of the work is demonstrated throughout. A quiet march starts the waltz's introduction before a sweeping crescendo heralds the gentle waltz principal melody. As more waltz sections are introduced, the mood remains constantly upbeat and triumphant. A violin solo near the end of the work is a touching melody of the first waltz section, before a trumpet fanfare ushers the end of the towering work, complete with a drumroll on the timpani and a strong brass flourish.

References

Based on original text by Peter Kemp, The Johann Strauss Society of Great Britain. Used with permission.