S.O.D. "Voices of Spring" by Johann Strauss

3/30/2015     Strauss composed many waltzes, with this, possibly the most famous.  A soprano solo was included by Strauss for the very talented and well-known Bianca Bianchi.  No pauses or movements exist in this classical masterpiece but it is divided into three parts of two waltz pairs. The first and most familiar of the three pairs begins the waltz with its sweeping melody followed by an energetic pair and the opening theme repeating.  Gentle melodies and harmonies follow the contrast nicely to the first pair.

     The third comes in as the least restrictive and fits most perfectly within the waltz.  And the opening theme is used by Strauss to finish the piece which are called sandwiches. This is a 1882 composition that through talented musicians, still captivates audiences today.  In his time, Strauss was known as the waltz king, composing more than 500 waltzes, polkas, quadrilles (a dance for four couples similar to today's square dance), several operettas and a ballet.  This is the first classical S.O.D.  Listen to it after a stressful day.