In line with its policy of fostering cultural activities in Malta, Malta International Airport is presenting yet another concert by the Vienna Classical Players at the Manoel Theatre on Sunday 27 May at 7.30pm.
This time the works of Johan Strauss II (1825–1899) will be given prominence.
This is not the first time that th Austrian orchestra has performed in Malta and its director Martin Kerschbaum is well remembered here. It was Kerschbaum himself who founded this orchestra in 1995. It consists mainly of string players with a small number of wind instruments. All the musicians play with other prestigious Viennese symphonic orchestras like the Vienna Philharmonic, the Vienna Symphony, the Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Tonkuenstler of Lower Austria.
It is not easy to understand why this year’s concert is dominated by music of Johan Strauss II. Like everywhere else, his music, admired by the likes of the great Brahms, is very popular in this country, be it dance music or operetta.
The concert actually begins with the overture of his most popular operetta, Die Fledermaus (1874), the only operetta staged at the august and prestigious Vienna State Opera.
Another Strauss overture, the one to Das Spitzentuch der Koenigin (1880) also features in the programme. So do a number of polkas: among them is the New Pizzicato Polka, Op.449, as distinct from the earlier and perhaps more famous Pizzicato Polka, and the “polka francaise” Im Krapfenwaldl, Op.336.
Incidentally, the only march in the programme will be Strauss II’s, The Egyptian March.
The Strauss name is indelibly linked with the waltz and of course, some of Strauss II’s most famous waltzes will be performed too. These are Wiener Blut, Op.334 and Kaiserwalzer or Emperor Waltz, Op.437.
More Strauss music will be heard from the pen of the youngest of the three Strauss brothers, Eduard (1835-1916). Perhaps better known as director than composer, his fast polka Bahnfrei, Op.45 will be performed.
Booking at the Manoel Theatre – telephone 2124 6389; fax: 2123 7340