Nymphen-Polka, Op. 50 - Josef Strauss

"Nymphs". Mention of Josef Strauss's amusing Nymphen-Polka first appears on 4th February 1858 in advertisements in Viennese newspapers inviting all dance enthusiasts of the city to attend the Strauss ball to be held on 8th February 1858 at the Sofiensaal. The dance programme was to include thirteen new works, seven by Johann and six by Josef. This polka was listed as the fifth item in these advertisements. In greek mythology, nymphs are daughters of the almighty god Zeus. They live freely and independently in nature, hunting and bathing, tirelessly dancing round and round, alwasy willing and ready to help humans. But in Vienna the term nymphs were also attributed to free and independent women and maidens who served men as "ladies of the evening". The beguiling Nymphen-Polka by Josef Strauss most likely was a tribute to the female bathers who frequented the Sofienbad swimming pools during the Summer months.

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Painting: Hylas and the Water Nymphs
Artist: Henrietta Rae
Date: 1909

Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Kosice
Walter Hilgers