Johann Strauss, right and left
Synopsis
The Radetzky March is undoubtedly Johann Strauss, Sr.\u2019s most famous work. Its performance has become obligatory at the New Year\u2019s concerts of the Vienna Philharmonic \u2014 it\u2019s that piece that involves audience participation in the form of a \u201cclap along.\u201d
The premiere of this familiar music took place on today\u2019s date in 1848 with a distinct political subtext \u2014 back then, not everyone back then was clapping along.
Field Marshall Radetzky was the commander of the Austrian forces that rather brutally put down \u201cinsurgent democrats\u201d in Italy during the liberal revolutions of 1848, and, as such, became a counter-revolutionary hero in Europe. The premiere of Radetzky March occurred at a concert attended chiefly by monarchists and the Austrian military, and the tune quickly became the unofficial anthem of the Austrian military and ultra-conservatives \u2014 the \u201cfar right\u201d of that time.
Curiously enough, Johann Strauss, Jr. held diametrically opposite, and considerably liberal, political sympathies from his father.
By the end of the 19th century, however, the bloody political troubles of 1848 were diplomatically swept under the collective Austrian carpet, and Johann Strauss, Jr.\u2019s Blue Danube Waltz became the unofficial anthem for all Austrians, right, left and center.
Music Played in Today's Program
Johann Strauss, Sr. (1804-1849): Radetzky March; Vienna Philharmonic; Willi Boskovsky, conductor; London/Decca 460250