Une Pensée, Polka Mazurka, Op. 35 - Josef Strauss

"A Thought". This graceful Polka Mazurka was played for the first time at a flower festival on 26 May 1857 in the Volksgarten and was so well-liked by the public that it would remain on the Strauss orchestra's programmes the whole summer through. The work, which was performed by Josef Strauss himself before the numerous visitors to the flower festival, appeared in print in September 1857. Since the Polka Mazurka was premiered at a flower festival, it would be easy to presume that the composer associated the title with the dainty pansy flower (pot pensée). But since Josef Strauss later dedicated a mazurka of its own to the pansy, namely his op. 183, the title can also be interpreted in the sense of an idea or a sentiment. Both suit the work's character: a pensive attitude and delightful charm.

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Painting: Pansies
Artist: Anne Cotterill

Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Kosice
Christian Pollack