Die Publicisten

Die Publicisten (The Publicists, Op. 321) is a waltz by Johann Strauss II composed in 1868. It was written for the sixth Concordia Ball held in the Sofienbad-Saal on the 4 February of the same year. The waltz's title was an allusion to Vienna's press, with whom he maintained a fruitful partnership that his family had enjoyed since the days of his father Johann Strauss I. The more or less symbiotic association was needed as the musical business of composers would inevitably flourish under favorable press reviews and the establishment of the Vienna Journalists' and Authors' Association in 1859 would signify an even more closer relationship between both composer and the press. The Concordia Ball named after the Roman God of civic concord had its first ball in 1863.

Related Topics:
Waltz - Johann Strauss II - 1868 - Sofienbad-Saal - 4 February - Vienna - Johann Strauss I - 1859 - 1863

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This waltz came at a time when Strauss' creative genius was at its pinnacle, with the famous waltzes Wiener Bonbons Op. 307, The Blue Danube An der Schöenen Blauen Donau Op. 314 and Künstlerleben Op. 316 already behind him with the more compelling G'schichten aus dem Wienerwald waltz Op. 325 and the Wein, Weib und Gesang waltz op. 333 still to come. It also made a brief appearance in the pastiche ballet Graduation Ball by Antal Dorati in the 'Perpetuum Mobile dance' number 10.

Related Topics:
Wiener Bonbons - The Blue Danube - Künstlerleben - G'schichten aus dem Wienerwald - Wein, Weib und Gesang - Pastiche - Graduation Ball - Antal Dorati

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The waltz's introduction was announced with trumpets and other brass instruments before a brief accelerating march melody halts and the waltz themes start. The first waltz themes are typically Viennese in structure whereas the later themes vary between being reflective and thoughtful as well as cheeky good-humored charm while the coda or 'tail piece' is a repeat of the earlier waltz sections. The first section is played again before rushing into an exciting and joyous conclusion, with the typical snare drumroll and the brass flourish.

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