Johann Strauss, right and left

Composers Datebook

Synopsis

The Radetzky March is undoubtedly Johann Strauss, Sr.’s most famous work. Its performance has become obligatory at the New Year’s concerts of the Vienna Philharmonic — it’s that piece that involves audience participation in the form of a “clap along.”

The premiere of this familiar music took place on today’s date in 1848 with a distinct political subtext — back then, not everyone back then was clapping along.

Field Marshall Radetzky was the commander of the Austrian forces that rather brutally put down “insurgent democrats” 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 — the “far right” 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.’s 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