Aramanth, Polka francaise, Op. 119 - Josef Strauss

"Amaranth". The Amaranth-Polka was performed for the first time on 19 February 1862 at a rowdy Masked ball at the Theater an der Wien. Josef Strauss found his inspiration once again in the plant kingdom. Amaranth plants are weeds which are commonly found on rubbish heaps, along the edges of the paths, in the ditches of rural streets and on old, crumbling walls. They became esteemed thanks to the poet O. Von Redwitz, who made them popular. Like the author himself, who recited his "amaranth poems" with enthusiasm, their "virtues" were later extolled. One of these "amaranth poems" began with the verses:
It must be a wonder
For two souls in love...
They became world-famous when set to music by Franz Liszt. While Josef Strauss' Amaranth-Polka did not become world-famous, it is always worth being performed again.

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Credits to the picture owner

Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Kosice
Christian Pollack