Nachtfalter

Nachtfalter (Moths) op. 157 is a waltz by Johann Strauss II written in 1854. The waltz was first performed at a parish festival ball at Unger's Casino in the suburb of Hernals, Vienna on 28 August of the same year.

Related Topics:
Waltz - Johann Strauss II - 1854 - Hernals - Vienna - 28 August

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The work at that time failed to gain the recognition it deserved when first performed in 1854. The Danube monarchy has formed an alliance with the France and Great Britain during the Crimean War and the action has incurred the wrath of the Russian Tsar. Vienna at that time was also recovering from a devastating cholera outbreak that autumn and many entertainment establishments were finding it difficult to attract patronage to their dance halls and Strauss' works during that time do not reach a wider public attention.

Related Topics:
Danube monarchy - France - Crimean War - Russia - Tsar - Vienna - Cholera

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Strauss' work eventually enticed Liszt who was made aware of the work's charms which first suggests the whirring of the wings of a moth in the Introduction and then its circling flight. The latter was observed at a festive occasion to earnestly entreating his daughter Cosima Wagner to play 'Nachtfalter' with his as a piano duet. Further, performances abroad such as in Pavlovsk and the later in Paris, confirmed the work as one of Strauss' earlier inspired creations.

Related Topics:
Liszt - Moth - Cosima Wagner - Piano - Pavlovsk - Paris

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