Strauss II

The Waltz King was known to like a tipple now and then and to be quite a success with the frauleins, but of the three articles listed in the title of this composition, here arranged for string quartet by Carlo Martelli, there is no doubt that the composer excelled or equalled all others in the third category.

One of the first characteristics that strike us in the work of the younger Johann Strauss is his seemingly inexhaustible melodic fertility. Carlo Martelli's exquisite arrangement of this opus by the ​Waltz King if anything enhances the grace, yearning, capriciousness and sensuous gaiety of the tunes.

Originally conceived as a brilliant coloratura piece for soprano to dazzle audiences with, this arrangement by Carlo Martelli derives from the better known version for orchestra alone.

Perhaps the most famous waltz ever written, this skilful arrangement by Carlo Martelli brilliantly captures all the glitter and romance of a Viennese ballroom.

For practical reasons the arranger Carlo Martelli has omitted the very long introduction that Strauss composed for this concert waltz.

Inexhaustible melodic fertility is the first characteristic that strikes one in the work of the younger Johann Strauss, and this waltz is no exception in this regard. Carlo Martelli's adaptation of the original for string quartet is executed with his usual customary brilliance!

Strauss's clever set of variations on a simple 'vamp' on tonic and dominant is here arranged for string quartet by Carlo Martelli in characteristic masterly fashion.

Paradoxically this Waltz begins in march tempo, easing only gradually into the main waltz section. The arranger Carlo Martelli has made several changes to the original.