During the course of a working visit to Vienna in late autumn 1863, Jacques Offenbach (1819-80) presented the Vienna Authors' and Journalists' Association, 'Concordia', with an un-named waltz dedication for their ball in the Sofienbad-Saal to be held on 12 January of the following year. Since the Strauss Orchestra was engaged for the 'Concordia' Ball, Johann Strauss II was also obliged to provide a dedication composition of his own. Aware of Offenbach's involvement, he likewise left it to the Association to provide an appropriate name for his waltz. When the committee chose to entitle Offenbach's work Abendblätter (Evening Papers) and Strauss's Morgenblätter (Morning Papers) an element of friendly rivalry was assured on the evening of the ball. Offenbach, however, was not present at the festivity, and Strauss conducted the premières of both waltzes.
6 сен 2024
