Lachtaube, Polka Mazurka, Op. 117 - Josef Strauss

"Laughing Dove". During the carnival of 1862, Josef Strauss performed his new Polka-mazurka Die Lachtaube for the very first time. From his notes and those of horn player Franz Sabay, we know that Josef Strauss chose the costume ball in the Theater an der Wien for this première. It took place on 19 February 1862 in the crowded theatre on the shores of the Vienna River. There was so much going on the night of the ball, that the première went virtually unnoticed. The Polka-mazurka had been advertised for the costume ball on 22 January 1862 in the Sofiensaal, but it seems that Josef Strauss did not find an opportunity to actually present the work at that time. The giggling sounds made by this dove – hence its German name – which is raised as a pet in numerous regions of Europe, can supposedly be heard, especially in the trio of the melody. The piano score of the work, whose cover illustration features a “laughing dove”, became available on 1 May 1862. The Lachtaube was part of the Strauss Orchestra’s repertoire for only one summer; the following season the work was placed in the archives.

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Painting: Laughing Doves
Artist: Barbara Philip

Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Kosice
Alfred Walter