Kuss-Walzer

Kuss-Walzer or 'Kiss Waltz' op. 400 is a waltz by Johann Strauss II and was composed in 1881. The waltz was dedicated to his beloved wife Angelika Dittrich who was his second wife and whom he only spent 5 years together as she was only 28 years old at that time in comparison to the ageing Strauss. Their marriage was an unhappy match although the cause of it may have been that of Strauss' personal hastiness in marrying her just seven weeks after his first wife's death. The waltz comprises of melodies from Strauss' popular operetta Der lustige Krieg The Merry War and is an orchestral treatment of the Act 2 aria 'Nur für Natur' which was a hit when first performed. Eduard Strauss, the composer's brother first conducted the orchestral piece at the Court Ball in Vienna in 1882.

Related Topics:
Waltz - Johann Strauss II - 1881 - Operetta - Der lustige Krieg - Aria - Eduard Strauss - Vienna - 1882

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The Introduction consists of arresting chords in the key of G major before proceeding discreetly into a quiet yet poignant waltz theme. The structure of this Strauss waltz in comparison to other waltzes during that time was that the first theme recurs very often and there are only 3 other waltz sections of which the first theme would be played again after concluding those successive sections. Despite being of such an economical structure, the waltz was well-received in the first concert conducted by Eduard Strauss.

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